Croatia’s beautiful coastline (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The country is a breathtaking gem loved by Brits and welcomes five times its population in tourists annually.
And while the coastline dominates, are also experiencing a tourism boom. Reports indicate a 5% increase in overnight stays inland, reflecting the growing interest in Croatia’s less-explored treasures.
Cities like Osijek, Varaždin, and Karlovac offer rich cultural experiences, unspoiled natural beauty, and a slower pace of life. This diversification helps to establish Croatia as a year-round destination.
Zagreb, the nation’s capital, has also seen a 6% increase in visitors, bringing the total to 2.7 million. Known for its vibrant street life, historical architecture, and thriving culinary scene, Zagreb is increasingly popular among tourists seeking a mix of tradition and modernity.
Now the small European country is set to begin its largest railway infrastructure project in its’ history, with a massive 620 euro million (£515 million) investment into modernising the Dugo Selo – Novska railway line.
Turquoise sea of Hvar island, franciscian monastery view in Dalmatia, Croatia (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
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HŽ Infrastruktura has announced a public tender for the reconstruction and construction of a second track along the 83-kilometre route.
The project is co-financed by the through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and the Competitiveness and Cohesion Programme (PKK).
Once completed, trains will be able to travel at speeds of up to 160 km/h, significantly improving both safety and efficiency in railway transport, according to HŽ Infrastruktura.
The project includes a full reconstruction of the existing railway and the addition of a second track. Several key stations, including Dugo Selo, Ivanić-Grad, Popovača, Kutina, and Novska, will be upgraded.
Additionally, stations such as Deanovec, Moslavačka Gračenica, Lipovljani, Novoselec, and Ludina will be converted into stops or dispatch centres.
Stops at Ostrna, Prečec, Širinec, Voloder, Repušnica, and Stara Subocka will also be renovated. A new stop, Okešinec, will be built, while the Prečec station will be decommissioned.
The project further involves eliminating or upgrading most railway-road crossings, except for key locations in Ostrna, Križ, Lipovica, and Voloder. Modern traffic management and signalling systems will be installed, along with an upgraded electrical infrastructure.
The deadline for bid submissions is 8 April 2025, and construction is expected to take five years from the start of work.
According to HŽ Infrastruktura, this major investment is crucial for modernising Croatia’s railway network and strengthening connections with European transport corridors.