Croatia’s HZ Infrastruktura: €17.1M Rail Safety System Unveiled

Croatian rail upgrades with a €17.1 million monitoring system, 85% funded by the EU, enhancing safety and enabling predictive maintenance for improved efficiency.

January 23, 2026 11:39 am

🛑 Key Takeaways:

Croatian rail manager HZ Infrastruktura is deploying a €17.1 million automatic train monitoring system.
The project is 85% co-financed by the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility, contributing €14.5 million.
This system uses trackside sensors for real-time vehicle diagnostics, enhancing safety and enabling predictive maintenance.

ZAGREB, CROATIA – HZ Infrastruktura is implementing a €17.1 million automatic vehicle monitoring system to improve railway safety and operational efficiency across its network. The project, substantially funded by the European Union, involves installing nine trackside measuring stations to collect real-time data on the condition of passing trains, with full commissioning expected by 2026.

Category	Specification / Detail
Project Name	Implementation of a monitoring system for safety, security, and technical control
Total Project Value	€17.1 million
Funding Source	€14.5M (85%) from Connecting Europe Facility (CEF); €2.6M (15%) from Croatian State Budget
Key Stakeholders	HZ Infrastruktura, CEF, Electrokem, S&T Iskratel
Works Contract Value	€7.7 million (awarded March 2023)
Timeline	Financing agreement Nov 2020; Full commissioning by 2026
System Components	9 measuring stations (5 Type 1, 4 Type 2); Central monitoring center (Zagreb); Local centers (Zagreb, Vinkovci, Rijeka)

Operational & Technical Details

The system is designed for preventive infrastructure protection. Measuring stations installed on the railway collect data on various parameters of a train’s components while it is in motion. This information is automatically transmitted to a central monitoring center in Zagreb and to local dispatch centers.

If the system detects a deviation from operational norms, traffic dispatchers are alerted to take necessary measures, preventing potential accidents or infrastructure damage. Of the eight stations currently being installed, five are already operational. The project specifies the installation of two distinct types of stations across nine locations to monitor different vehicle parameters.

Market Impact Analysis

This investment aligns Croatia’s rail network with the broader European trend of integrating telematics and real-time data analysis into transport infrastructure. By enabling predictive maintenance and enhancing safety, the system increases the reliability and efficiency of the network for both freight and passenger services. The significant co-financing from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility highlights the strategic importance of the Croatian rail corridors for the wider trans-European transport network.

FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the main value of this contract?

The total project value is €17.1 million. A specific works contract for equipment purchase and installation, signed with a consortium of Electrokem and S&T Iskratel, is valued at €7.7 million.

When is the expected completion date?

While five measuring stations are already operational, the remaining stations are scheduled to be commissioned during 2026.