Croatia’s Zadar Railway: Končar Trains & Infrastructure Upgrade

Croatia’s *Zadar railway network* gets a boost! Plans connect the airport, port, and city center, with major *rail infrastructure* investments underway. Battery-powered trains are expected by 2026-2027.

Croatia’s Zadar Railway: Končar Trains & Infrastructure Upgrade
October 23, 2025 1:54 pm
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Introduction

An agreement has been signed between Croatia’s Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, HŽ Infrastrukture, and Zadar County authorities to develop the Zadar railway network, which will connect Zadar Airport with the Port of Gaženica and the city center. The agreement was signed on 13 October 2025 during the Croatia on the Move conference held in Zadar.

Main Content

Project Scope

The Zadar railway network development project includes integrating the industrial zones of Crno, Poličnik, and Škabrnja, along with the Biljane Donje Waste Management Centre, into the existing railway network. The project also encompasses the reconstruction and expansion of railway infrastructure across the county.

Agreement Details

Local authorities will prepare feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, and all necessary documentation for the location permit. This documentation will then be transferred to HŽ Infrastrukture, which will initiate a tender for design and construction works.

Timeline and Investment

Construction of the rail connection between Zadar Airport and Gaženica is anticipated to commence within three to three and a half years, with an estimated value of around EUR 30 million. Simultaneously, work is planned on the Bibinje Tunnel, representing an investment of over EUR 90 million.

Operational Plans

In 2026–2027, the Zadar railway network will utilize battery-powered trains manufactured by Končar. According to Ivan Kršić, President of the Management Board of HŽ Infrastrukture, the study documentation for the Bibinje rail bypass has been completed, and the Ministry of the Economy is expected to approve the environmental impact study. This will be followed by the preparation of the conceptual design and the obtaining of the location permit.

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Conclusion

The signed agreement outlines the framework for developing the Zadar railway network, with a focus on linking key locations and industrial zones to the existing railway system. The project includes planned investments in infrastructure, with operational plans to utilize battery-powered trains manufactured by Končar by 2026–2027.

Company Summary

HŽ Infrastrukture: The Croatian railway infrastructure manager.

Končar: The manufacturer of battery-powered trains.