New hybrid trains for Split-Zagreb route

Illustration (Photo credit: Končar)

Končar – Electric Vehicles and HŽ Passenger Transport signed a contract on Tuesday for the purchase of six electro-diesel motor trains, which will replace the tilting trains that have been operating between Split and Zagreb since 2004.

These hybrid trains will draw power from overhead lines on electrified tracks, and use two diesel engines as the power source on non-electrified tracks.

The contract is valued at €57.3 million, financed through a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), HŽ Passenger Transport said in a statement.

The new trains will enhance connectivity between Split and Zagreb, providing more daily departures and thereby improving both local and regional connectivity and mobility for citizens.

The loan agreement with the EIB for the project “Revitalisation of the Croatian Railway System” was concluded in February.

It will fund the acquisition of trains, the construction of the Zagreb Technical and Logistics Centre, and the renovation and construction of local and regional tracks, stations, and stops.

The railway line connecting Zagreb and Split is 429 kilometres long, electrified from Zagreb to Oštarije, and non-electrified from Oštarije to Split.

The trains will operate using both electric and diesel power, with high-powered traction motors to meet the demands of the mountainous route. They will achieve a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour and allow for the functional coupling of multiple trains to ensure greater capacity.

The contract was signed by Željko Ukić, President of the Board of HŽ Passenger Transport, and Josip Ninić, President of the Board of KONČAR – Electric Vehicles.

Signing ceremony (Photo credit: HŽ Passenger Transport)

“The new trains will replace the tilting trains that have been operating between Split and Zagreb since 2004. The first train will be on the track in two years, and then one train will be introduced each month. By the end of 2026, we will have a completely renewed fleet between these two cities,” said Željko Ukić from HŽ Passenger Transport.

“With the delivery of the new vehicles, Končar continues the trend of developing products and solutions that reduce harmful climate impacts, offer long-term product sustainability, and focus on future-oriented digitalisation,” said Gordan Kolak, head of Končar – Electrical Industry.

Transport Minister Oleg Butković highlighted that significant investments are being made in the modernisation of the railway infrastructure alongside the acquisition of new trains.

“Today, we have 61 new trains in operation, and in the last few years alone, 33 new trains have been purchased and put into service. By the end of next year, we will have a total of 70 new trains, which is more than half of the entire fleet. Additionally, with a major change in the transport map, particularly for the Dalmatia region, which has been included in the European transport corridors network for the first time, we now have opportunities for co-financing the modernisation of the Lika railway from EU funds,” said Butković.

Technical Characteristics of the New Trains The electro-diesel motor trains will be low-floor compositions with three doors on each side.

They will be equipped with ramps for wheelchair access, space for bicycles, and toilets, one of which will be accessible for wheelchair users. The entire passenger area will be under video surveillance. Monitors will be installed in the passenger area for displaying video content.

With visual and audio announcements of stations and stops, passengers will also have access to free internet (WiFi). The trains will be equipped with modern passenger information systems, power sockets, and self-service food and drink machines.

The train’s capacity will be 150 seats (12 in first class, 138 in second class), with a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour.