Croatia has placed its first electro-diesel passenger train into regular service on the important route connecting Zagreb with Split. The new train made its inaugural scheduled journey from Split at 7:54 a.m. on 15 September, marking another stage in the modernisation of the country’s railway system.
The hybrid design was developed specifically for the 429-kilometre line between Croatia’s capital and its second-largest city. Only the section from Zagreb to Oštarije is electrified, while most of the mountainous route through Lika towards the Adriatic coast has no overhead power supply.
The new train can therefore operate electrically where railway infrastructure allows and switch to diesel power for the remainder of the journey. Its powerful traction system is designed to handle the demanding terrain between central Croatia and Dalmatia. The train has a maximum design speed of 160 kilometres per hour, although actual journey times will continue to depend on the condition and speed limits of the railway infrastructure.
The vehicle was produced by Croatian engineering company KONČAR in cooperation with a wider network of domestic suppliers. It offers 150 seats, including 12 in first class and 138 in second class. Passenger facilities include free Wi-Fi, electrical sockets, digital information screens and visual and audio station announcements.
The low-floor train is also equipped with wheelchair ramps, an accessible toilet and designated space for bicycles. Self-service machines offer coffee, hot drinks, water, soft drinks and snacks. These improvements are intended to make the long journey between Zagreb and Split more comfortable and accessible. Total Croatia News
The train is the first of six electro-diesel units ordered by national passenger operator HŽ Putnički prijevoz. The entire procurement project is worth €57.3 million and is being financed with a loan from the European Investment Bank. The remaining trains are expected to enter service gradually, with all six scheduled to be operational by the end of 2026.
When Croatia’s new railway timetable is introduced in December, Zagreb and Split are expected to be connected by four trains per day. The expanded service should improve transport links between the country’s two largest cities and make rail travel a more attractive alternative to cars, buses and domestic flights.
The new vehicles will replace the tilting trains that have operated on the route since 2004. HŽ Passenger Transport expects the hybrid units to reduce energy use, noise and greenhouse gas emissions by drawing electricity on the electrified part of the line instead of relying on diesel power throughout the entire journey. HŽ Passenger Transport
A more reliable railway connection is particularly important for Split, one of Croatia’s leading tourist destinations and a major transport hub for travellers continuing to the Dalmatian islands. However, new trains alone will not resolve all of the route’s problems. Further modernisation of tracks, signalling systems and stations will be necessary before passengers can benefit fully from the vehicles’ technical capabilities.
The launch nevertheless represents a significant step in Croatia’s attempt to renew its ageing rolling stock, strengthen connections between the continental and coastal parts of the country, and create a cleaner and more competitive national railway system.
