Croatia Reopens Rail Line: €350M Upgrade Speeds Up Travel

ZAGREB, Croatia – Croatia’s national railway manager, HŽ Infrastruktura, has reopened the crucial Koprivnica–Novo Drnje section after a closure of more than a decade, marking a major milestone in the country’s largest ongoing rail investment. This development is a core component of the €350 million project to upgrade the Križevci–Koprivnica–Hungarian border line, which will ultimately allow for speeds of up to 160 km/h.

Main Body:

The resumption of traffic on the modernized line section represents a significant achievement for HŽ Infrastruktura and the broader Croatian transport network. With the introduction of the new train schedule, passenger services are now operating on the Zagreb Central Station – Dugo Selo – Koprivnica – Novo Drnje route. This re-establishes a vital transport link, enhancing connectivity between the Koprivnica region and the capital, Zagreb, while simultaneously setting the stage for the development of a planned suburban passenger rail service for the area.

The centerpiece of the reopened section is the newly constructed Novo Drnje Station, engineered as a fully interoperable facility compliant with modern European standards. The station boasts six electrified arrival and departure lines and a 160-meter-long side platform, providing substantial technical capacity for both passenger and freight operations. A state-of-the-art electronic signaling and safety system, which entered trial operations in late September 2024, now governs the line, significantly boosting operational safety and efficiency. In addition to the main station, the project includes the opening of the new Peteranec stop between Koprivnica and Novo Drnje, further improving local access to the rail network.

This milestone is an integral part of the comprehensive modernization of the entire 42.6 km Križevci–Koprivnica–state border railway line, one of Croatia’s most significant infrastructure investments. The project, valued at €350 million and co-financed by the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), is now approximately 90% complete. Upon its scheduled completion by the end of 2026, the upgraded double-track line will allow passenger trains to travel at speeds up to 160 km/h, dramatically reducing journey times and improving service reliability on this key European transport corridor.

Key Takeaways

• Restored Connectivity: After more than ten years, the direct rail link between Koprivnica and Novo Drnje is restored, immediately improving regional mobility and access to Zagreb.
• Strategic Modernization: The reopening marks 90% completion of the €350 million upgrade of the M201 line, a critical project for enhancing Croatia’s role in the trans-European transport network.
• Future-Ready Infrastructure: The new Novo Drnje station and modern signaling systems provide increased capacity and safety, laying the groundwork for planned suburban services and higher-speed operations.

Editor’s Analysis

The reopening of the Koprivnica–Novo Drnje section is more than a local infrastructure win; it is a strategic move that reinforces Croatia’s position on the EU’s TEN-T Mediterranean Corridor. This corridor is the backbone of freight and passenger movement from the Iberian Peninsula to the Hungarian-Ukrainian border. By upgrading this 42.6 km segment to a 160 km/h double-track, interoperable standard, Croatia is eliminating a significant bottleneck, paving the way for more efficient, faster, and higher-capacity cross-border rail traffic. For the global rail market, this signals a tangible commitment to shifting traffic from road to rail, aligning with EU Green Deal objectives and creating new opportunities for international freight operators seeking reliable routes through Southeast Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the Križevci–Koprivnica–state border project?

The primary goal is to modernize and double-track the 42.6 km line, increasing train speeds to 160 km/h. This will reduce travel times, increase line capacity, and improve safety and reliability on a key international rail corridor.

What new infrastructure was opened with the resumption of traffic?

The newly built and fully interoperable Novo Drnje station was opened, featuring six electrified lines and modern signaling. Additionally, the new Peteranec stop was opened to traffic, providing more access points for local passengers.

When is the entire modernization project expected to be finished?

The project is currently about 90% complete, with the goal of having all works on the entire Križevci–Koprivnica–state border section finished by the end of 2026.