Croatia to invest in railway development
By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Nov 24, 2025
Croatia plans to invest €6bn in railway development over the next decade as part of a nationwide modernisation push, with rail as the country’s top transport priority.
Deal Analysis
Croatia's announced €6 billion investment in railway development signifies a major commitment to modernizing its national transport infrastructure. With rail identified as the country's top transport priority, this investment aims to enhance both passenger and freight rail services. The initiative, spearheaded by Croatian Railways and funded by the Republic of Croatia, underscores a strategic shift towards sustainable and efficient transportation solutions. This investment is planned to occur over the next decade, suggesting a long-term vision for the country's railway network.
The scale of the investment makes this deal notable, representing a substantial financial commitment from the Croatian government. The involvement of Croatian Railways, the national railway company, ensures alignment with national transport objectives. This modernization push is likely to attract interest from international engineering and construction firms specializing in railway infrastructure, potentially fostering competition and innovation within the sector. The deal's success will depend on effective project management and the ability to attract qualified contractors.
- €6 billion investment in railway development over the next decade.
- Rail identified as Croatia's top transport priority.
- Funded by the Republic of Croatia and developed by Croatian Railways.
- Aims to modernize both passenger and freight rail services.
Market Context: The transport sector in Croatia is undergoing modernization, with a focus on improving connectivity and sustainability. This investment aligns with broader European trends towards promoting rail as a key component of integrated transport networks.
Source Intelligence
KEY DETAILS
The investment programme aims to improve regional connectivity, safety and accessibility while shifting the country toward more sustainable transport infrastructure. “Investment in railways is now an absolute priority,” Mihotić said, adding that the programme includes both infrastructure upgrades and rolling stock renewal.
Croatia’s state rail operator will finish the year with 70 newly delivered trains worth €360mn, he said.
The EU-aligned overhaul includes major corridor upgrades, new rail links and modernisation of signalling systems.
Among ongoing projects are the construction of the Podravina Y network and a €160mn expressway linking Požega to Croatia’s motorway system.
Mihotić said 2027 would mark a milestone for road transport, with Croatia set to complete the full-profile Istrian Y motorway and introduce a countrywide contactless e-tolling system designed to reduce congestion and shorten travel times.
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Deal Size
Croatia plans to invest €6bn in railway development over the next decade as part of a nationwide modernisation push
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Location
Speaking at the annual Via Vita transport congress in Rovinj
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Announcement
the transport ministry said on November 24.
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
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Croatian Roads and Railways Association
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"Ivica Budimir, president of the Croatian Roads and Railways Association."
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Croatia’s state rail operator
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"Croatia’s state rail operator will finish the year with 70 newly delivered trains worth €360mn, he said."
high quality
Enriched Feb 19, 2026
Market Context
This deal is part of the Transport sector in Croatia.
1 of 110 Transport deals tracked this month · Updated daily