COMSA Wins €348.5M Hrvatski Leskovac–Karlovac Double Track

ZAGREB, CROATIA – Spanish contractor COMSA Corporación has won a contract valued at approximately €348.5 million (including VAT) to upgrade a 44-km section of railway between Hrvatski Leskovac and Karlovac. The agreement with state-owned HŽ Infrastruktura follows a complex re-tendering process after a 2022 contract with a different consortium was terminated. Work is now scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026.

What Does This Contract Cover?

The contract covers the reconstruction of the existing line and the construction of a second track along the 44-km route. The scope includes modernizing stations, stops, bridges, and viaducts, alongside installing new electrical, signaling, and interlocking systems designed to allow train speeds of up to 160 km/h. This project replaces a previous agreement with a STRABAG-led consortium that did not proceed due to issues with obtaining all necessary permits.

Key Contract Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Contracts?

The contract’s value of €348.5 million represents a significant cost increase of over 53% compared to the approximately €227.4 million contract awarded for the same works in 2022. While this project is vital for Croatia’s national network, its scale differs from larger international corridor upgrades. For instance, a consortium including China Civil Engineering Construction Corp. is backing a $1.24 billion project to rehabilitate the Tazara railway linking Zambia’s copper belt to a port in Tanzania, demonstrating the massive investment directed at strategic resource corridors globally (Source: Mining.com, 2026).

Editor’s Analysis

The re-awarding of the Hrvatski Leskovac–Karlovac contract underscores Croatia’s commitment to the strategic Zagreb–Rijeka corridor, despite significant delays and cost escalations. This persistence aligns with a broader European trend of upgrading key TEN-T network links to enhance freight capacity and passenger speeds. The successful execution by COMSA will be critical for HŽ Infrastruktura’s credibility in managing large, EU co-financed infrastructure projects.

FAQ

Q: Why was a new contractor chosen for this project?
A: The original 2022 contract with the STRABAG consortium was amicably terminated because not all necessary construction permits were obtained, preventing the full scope of work from commencing. HŽ Infrastruktura subsequently launched a new tender, which was won by COMSA.

Q: What is the new contract value compared to the old one?
A: The new contract awarded to COMSA is valued at approximately €348.5 million including VAT. This is substantially higher than the 2022 contract with STRABAG, which was worth approximately €227.4 million.

Q: What is the strategic importance of the Zagreb–Rijeka railway line?
A: The Zagreb–Rijeka axis is one of Croatia’s most important rail links, connecting the capital city with the country’s main seaport, the Port of Rijeka. Modernizing this corridor is crucial for improving freight logistics and passenger transport efficiency, integrating Croatia more effectively into European transport networks.