The new train has been designed to meet the specific requirements of the railway line between Zagreb and Split, which is partly electrified and partly non-electrified. It offers 150 seats and features free Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, a modern passenger information system, visual and audio announcements, wheelchair access ramps, and bicycle storage areas. Passengers also have access to self-service vending machines offering coffee and other hot beverages, water, soft drinks, sweets, and snacks.

Alongside regular passengers, representatives of the relevant ministry, local and regional authorities, HŽ Passenger Transport, KONČAR, and the European Investment Bank were present on the inaugural journey.

“Two years ago, we signed the contract for the production of these trains, and today the first of six has entered service. These high-comfort trains will connect Dalmatia and Zagreb, providing passengers with a better travel experience. However, this is only one step in a broader process that includes the procurement of additional trains and continued investment in railway lines and stations. As for the Zagreb–Split railway line, a contract has already been signed for the preparation of a feasibility study, which is expected to be completed next year and will provide a range of technical solutions for the line and the development of the entire corridor. We must bear in mind that this is a major investment, but the entire sector is committed to delivering it within the next five to ten years,” said Žarko Tušek, State Secretary for Railways at the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure.

Zagreb and Split are connected by a 429-kilometre railway line. The section from Zagreb to Oštarije, 103 kilometres long, is electrified, while the remaining 326 kilometres to Split are non-electrified.

“Today marks a new chapter in connecting Zagreb and Split. This train represents a step forward towards more modern, higher-quality and sustainable passenger transport. The new hybrid electro-diesel trains bring a higher level of comfort, modern technology and the quality of travel our passengers rightly expect. Our goal is to make rail travel a more attractive choice for an increasing number of citizens. By the end of the year, five more hybrid comfort trains of this type will be operating on our network. From December, we will also introduce additional services, with two daily trains departing from Zagreb and two from Split, along with a night service on Fridays from Zagreb and Sundays from Split. Investing in modern trains like these means investing in people's mobility and in the future of passenger transport,” said Željko Ukić, President of the Management Board of HŽ Passenger Transport.

A large number of experts from across the KONČAR Group participated in the development and production of the new hybrid trains, working closely with dozens of Croatian companies. The trains have been developed in line with international standards and modern technological requirements.

“Today, we are not only presenting a new train, but also a new level of connectivity between Croatia’s regions. This bimodal train is the result of KONČAR’s expertise, experience and innovation potential, and represents an important step forward in the modernisation of domestic rail transport. It provides passengers with the same level of comfort, speed and reliability throughout the journey, regardless of whether it operates on electrified or non-electrified sections of the railway network. In exactly one week's time, we will showcase the second train from this series at InnoTrans in Berlin, the world's leading transport technology trade fair and the tenth time KONČAR has presented its solutions on this global stage,” said Gordan Kolak, President of the Management Board of KONČAR.

The introduction of additional services between Croatia’s two largest cities will further strengthen regional connectivity and provide citizens with greater mobility.

As part of the project, six electro-diesel trains are being procured, financed through a EUR 57.3 million loan provided by the European Investment Bank. On the occasion of the train’s introduction into service, Marko Primorac, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, said: “This is one of the tangible outcomes of the largest financing package the EIB has ever approved in Croatia. A total of EUR 900 million has been made available for investments in railways and related infrastructure. Part of this funding will support the procurement of 13 additional trains, the modernisation of local and regional railway lines across the country, and the construction of supporting infrastructure such as railway stations. Furthermore, shifting transport from road to rail is one of the most effective measures Europe can take to address climate change and one of the fairest investments we can make in our regions. For this reason, the EIB will continue investing in Croatia’s railway sector and remain committed to supporting the country’s further development.”

High-quality rail connectivity between Zagreb and Split offers significant potential for increasing passenger numbers. The introduction of these trains improves the energy efficiency of the transport system while contributing to reduced noise levels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Projects such as this help create a more efficient and competitive passenger rail transport system.

Photo credit: HŽ Passenger Transport