HŽ Infrastruktura has selected Indian company AFCONS Infrastructure as the contractor for what the operator described as the largest railway project in the history of Croatia. The company submitted the most economically favourable bid, valued at €677,055,750.67 excluding VAT, and the decision will be followed by a contract signing once it becomes final. Works are expected to last five years and 10 months after the contractor is formally introduced to the project.

The contract covers the reconstruction of the existing railway line and the construction of a second track on the 83-kilometre Dugo Selo–Novska section, which forms one of Croatia’s key international railway corridors. The project is co-financed through European Union funds and aims to modernise a strategic route for passenger and freight traffic. The scope includes substantial rail renewal and capacity augmentation.

Planned interventions will encompass the reconstruction of railway stations and stops and the removal or grade separation of most rail-road crossings to enhance safety and reduce delays. Works will also involve the installation of noise protection barriers along populated sections and the implementation of new traffic management and railway signalling systems to optimise operations. The programme foresees integrated engineering works rather than isolated upgrades.

The upgrade will include enhancements and construction of new elements within the railway power infrastructure system to support higher performance. Upon completion, trains on the Dugo Selo–Novska route will be able to operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h, which is expected to significantly improve rail connectivity and transport efficiency in Croatia. Authorities anticipate benefits for both domestic travel and international connections.

AFCONS, headquartered in Mumbai, has undertaken engineering, procurement and construction projects across bridges, flyovers, metro systems, railway networks, tunnels and highways, as well as ports, marine infrastructure, barrages and oil and gas facilities. The firm’s selection for this contract follows a competitive tender process and reflects its international project experience. Local and regional stakeholders will monitor progress as preparatory steps advance.