Končar Trains to be Acquired by HZŽ for Passenger Transport
Croatia is set to modernize its rail network with the arrival of 13 new trains, manufactured by Končar - Electric Vehicles. The purchase, valued at €117.9 million, is financed through a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and forms part of a broader effort by Croatia to enhance its rail infrastructure.
The contract, signed on 30th June 2025, includes four battery-electric trains, five electro-diesel trains, and four pure battery-powered trains. These new trains will be delivered in 2027 and 2028.
Gordan Kolak, the President of the Management Board of Koncár, stated that these trains are among the most complex products constructed by Croatia's own industry. The new trains will be low-floor for easier access, equipped with a passenger information system, ramps for disabled people, space for bicycles, and free WiFi.
The battery trains are intended exclusively for non-electrified lines, while the electro-diesel and electro-battery trains will run along both electrified and non-electrified lines. Charging stations for traction batteries will be built at the Lupoglav and Velika stations.
The move further confirms Koncár's position as one of the leading regional technology companies. The national passenger operator responsible for the purchase, HŽ Passenger Transport (HŽPP), and Končar - Electric Vehicles signed the contract. The investment cycle amounts to just over 1.5 billion euros, mostly thanks to European Union (EU) funds and an additional 900 million euro arrangement with the EIB.
Minister Oleg Butković mentioned that the state is currently engaged in a major investment cycle in railway infrastructure. Six more electro-diesel trains will be put into service next year, and HZŽ Passenger Transport currently has 65 new trains in operation, with five more to be put into service by the end of the year.
These new trains will replace trains that are on average over 40 years old, contributing significantly to the modernization of Croatia’s rail network, particularly focusing on improving regional lines and main European corridors. This investment is part of a broader effort by Croatia to exceed €6 billion in investments by 2035.
The new trains will operate on various routes, although specific routes have not been announced yet. The signing was witnessed by longtime Transport Minister Oleg Butković. The investment is expected to boost the efficiency and comfort of rail travel in Croatia, making it an attractive option for both locals and tourists.
The €117.9 million loan, financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), is also being used in a larger initiative for improving Croatia's rail infrastructure by integrating new technology into the transportation industry. In business collaborations, the national passenger operator HŽ Passenger Transport (HŽPP) and technology leader Končar - Electric Vehicles have partnered to modernize Croatia's rail network.
