Dugo Selo–Novska line modernization advances

Dugo Selo–Novska line modernization is moving into implementation. HŽ Infrastruktura has selected the contractor for double-tracking and modernizing the route. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The project covers double-tracking and modernization of the Dugo Selo–Novska line.

Croatia’s rail infrastructure manager has chosen the company for the project. It will carry out what is described as the largest railway project in Croatia’s history. The works cover full modernization, double-tracking, electrification, and advanced signaling and telecommunications systems.

Also, the scope includes work on 16 stations. Five of them will be converted into stops. The project also includes the construction of one new station.

In addition, planned measures include eliminating level crossings. The project also includes sound-absorbing panels and railway power subsystem modernization.

Afcons Infrastructure Limited was awarded the contract after submitting the most economically advantageous bid. The bid is valued at EUR 677 million.

Once the award decision becomes final, the construction agreement will be signed. The works are expected to last around five years and ten months. This places contractor selection before contract signing and the start of the multi-year works.

Contract sets Dugo Selo–Novska line modernization in motion

The construction site will cover 83 kilometers. It will be co-financed by European Union funds.

After completion, trains will operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h. The Dugo Selo–Novska line forms part of the TEN-T Mediterranean Corridor.

The investment will significantly increase capacity, interoperability, and safety. This applies across Croatia’s national railway network.

Also, the project is expected to improve rail links on the Zagreb–Vinkovci–Vukovar axis. From Vinkovci, the railway continues toward Tovarnik. The town is around 10 km from the Serbian border. The route runs via the city of Šid.

Also, the upgraded and double-track line will provide rapid access. It will also provide direct access to the Port of Rijeka. Dugo Selo has a direct connection with the Croatian capital. The Zagreb–Port of Rijeka corridor is also set to be modernized and expanded.

European Union funding backs the railway works

The project was initially estimated at around EUR 620 million in HŽ Infrastruktura’s earlier plans. A large share of the financing is being provided through European funds.

Meanwhile, the Connecting Europe Facility is contributing approximately EUR 289 million.

Through the 2022 CEF calls for proposals, the project secured EUR 245.6 million. The funding covers modernization of the 42-km section between Ivanić-Grad and Kutina. On that section, the line will be doubled.

In addition, the Croatian government is contributing a further EUR 43.3 million. The contribution is under the grant agreement.

Design contracts and wider investment

Separately, the preparatory work was supported by design contracts delivered in several phases. The first phase was carried out by a consortium. It included DB Engineering & Consulting, Željezničko projektno društvo, and Granova. That EUR 5.4 million contract was initiated in 2011 and completed in 2019.

Phases 2 and 3 were later developed by another consortium. It included Técnica y Proyectos and Egis Rail. It also included Ingeniería y Economía del Transporte and Inženjerski projektni zavod. The total value of that contract was EUR 11.5 million. European co-financing through the European Regional Development Fund covered 45% of that amount.

EUR 140.7 million was allocated for the Kutina–Novska section. The funding comes through the 2021–2026 National Recovery and Resilience Plan. It falls under the “Economy” component. It is linked to the development of a sustainable, competitive, and energy-efficient transport system.

Also, Croatia is carrying out a wider railway investment programme. It is valued at nearly EUR 6 billion by 2030. The programme focuses on modernizing the TEN-T Mediterranean and Rhine–Danube corridors. It also includes regional lines. Support comes mainly from European funds and the European Investment Bank.

Afcons Infrastructure Limited strengthens its European position

For Afcons Infrastructure Limited, the contract confirms a direct role in Croatia’s largest railway project. It also strengthens the company’s move into the European market. The award represents geographic expansion. It also recognizes the company’s ability to deliver complex infrastructure projects. These are in strictly regulated environments such as the European Union.

“This project represents an important step in our global journey and confirms Afcons’ ability to execute large-scale infrastructure works,” said Krishnamurthy Subramanian, executive chairman of the company. He emphasized that participation in Croatia’s largest railway project is a defining milestone. It is a milestone for Afcons’ European presence.

The contract also opens up significant opportunities for Afcons in the European market. Technical and environmental requirements there are among the strictest in the world. At the same time, involvement in the project increases the company’s international profile. In addition, it supports its reputation in complex railway infrastructure.

This experience may become a competitive advantage in future European Union tenders. Through this project, Croatia is rewriting its railway future. The project is also becoming a strategic milestone for the entire region of Central and Southeastern Europe.

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