New trains for the Zagreb – Split route: HŽ Passenger Transport introduces electro-diesel units by the end of 2026.
The Croatian railway sector is entering a new phase of modernisation. HŽ Passenger Transport has presented the first of six new electro-diesel trains which will operate on one of the most important domestic routes – between Zagreb and Split.
The presentation was held at Končar's facility in Jankomir, Zagreb, symbolically highlighting the important role of domestic industry in the development of rail transport.
The new trains are approximately 75 metres long and designed for speeds of up to 160 km/h. They will offer passengers around 150 seats, including first class, representing a significant leap in the quality of travel on this route. The first set is expected to be delivered by mid-2026, with the complete fleet anticipated to be in service by the end of the year.
This is an investment worth €57.3 million, financed with the support of the European Investment Bank. This further confirms the strategic importance of modernising the railway in Croatia, particularly on routes with potential for tourism and business traffic.
The Zagreb – Split line is 429 kilometres long and carries around 250,000 passengers annually. Currently, traffic operates using diesel tilting trains that have been in use since 2024, but new electro-diesel trains offer greater flexibility as they can operate on both electrified and non-electrified sections of the track.
For tourism, this change carries additional weight. Better connectivity between the continent and the coast is key in the context of extending the season and developing more sustainable forms of travel. Higher quality trains and potentially more frequent departures can stimulate greater interest from domestic and foreign travellers in rail transport, especially during the summer months when road traffic is congested.
It is planned to introduce three daily services in both directions, which will further increase the availability of this route. Although the travel time for the new trains has not yet been officially confirmed, it is expected to be slightly longer compared to the previous records achieved by tilting trains. Nevertheless, the emphasis is on comfort, reliability and the overall travel experience.
Alongside this order, an additional delivery of five similar trains has been announced for 2027. They will connect Zagreb with Osijek, Rijeka, and Pula, including a route via Slovenia, which opens up opportunities for strengthening regional connectivity.
U kontekstu rastućeg fokusa na održivu mobilnost i intermodalni prijevoz, modernizacija The railway rolling stock becomes a key element of tourism development. New trains on the Zagreb–Split route could be an important step towards more attractive and competitive rail transport in Croatia.
