On July 23, 2024, a contract was signed for the procurement of six electro-diesel motor trains to connect Split and Zagreb. The project is financed by a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) in the amount of 57.3 million euros. This loan is part of a broader project to revitalize the railway system of the Republic of Croatia, which includes the purchase of new trains, the construction of the Technical-Logistics Center Zagreb, and the renovation and construction of local and regional tracks, stations, and stops.

The contract was signed by Željko Ukić, President of the Management Board of HŽ Passenger Transport, and Josip Ninić, President of the Management Board of KONČAR - Electric Vehicles. The signing was also attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Andrej Plenković, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Property Branko Bačić, Minister of Tourism and Sports Tonči Glavina, Split-Dalmatia County Prefect Blaženko Boban, and President of the Management Board of KONČAR - Electrical Industry Gordan Kolak.

Improving Railway Connectivity
The trains will significantly improve the connectivity between Split and Zagreb, enabling more daily departures and enhancing local and regional mobility for citizens. The new trains will replace the existing tilting trains that have been on this route since 2004. The first train will be put into operation in two years, and then one new train will be added monthly, until the end of 2026, when the entire fleet on this route will be renewed.

Environmentally Friendly Transportation
The acquisition of these trains will provide an environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and cost-effective mode of transport, which is a key step towards sustainable mobility. Željko Ukić emphasized that the new trains will enable better connectivity and a significant improvement in service quality. The railway line between Zagreb and Split is 429 km long, with an electrified section up to Oštarije, while the rest of the line uses diesel power. The trains will use both types of propulsion and will have powerful traction motors for demanding sections.

Technical Characteristics of the Trains
The electro-diesel trains will be low-floor compositions with three doors on each side, ramps for people with disabilities, space for bicycles, and adapted toilets. The passenger area will be under video surveillance, with monitors for displaying video content, visual and audio announcements of stations and stops, and free WiFi access. The trains will reach speeds of up to 160 km/h and can be connected into longer compositions for greater capacity. KONČAR continues to develop technologies that reduce environmental impact, offer long-term product sustainability, and enhance digitalization. It is important to note that many Croatian companies, including those from Dalmatia, participated in the production of the trains.

Investments in Railway Infrastructure
Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Butković emphasized the importance of investing in the modernization of railway infrastructure. EU funds finance the projects of renovating and constructing main corridor tracks, while EIB loans renew local and regional tracks. By the end of next year, Croatia will have a total of 70 new trains, which makes up more than half of the entire fleet. By integrating Dalmatia into European transport corridors, opportunities for co-financing the modernization of the Lika railway from EU funds have been opened. Currently, signal-safety devices and remote control are being installed on the section from Oštarije to Knin, and funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NPOO) will ensure the continuation of installation from Knin to Split, enabling faster travel.

Effects on the Local Community
Split, as the second largest urban center in Croatia and an important tourist hub, is extremely important for quality railway connectivity with Zagreb. This project contributes to energy efficiency, noise reduction, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Blaženko Boban, the Split-Dalmatia County Prefect, expressed satisfaction with the signed contract, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure renewal for new trains. With this project, the modernization of HŽ Passenger Transport's rolling stock continues, ensuring more efficient and competitive railway passenger transport, which will also contribute to the sustainability of the transport system in the Republic of Croatia.

Connectivity and Mobility
The new trains will significantly contribute to increasing the number of passengers transported between Split and Zagreb. They will also enable better local and regional connectivity, increasing citizens' mobility and improving their quality of life. The acquisition of these trains raises the level of energy efficiency of the transport system and contributes to reducing noise and greenhouse gas emissions from transport.

Modern Equipment and Comfort
The trains will be low-floor compositions with three doors on each side, ramps for people in wheelchairs, space for bicycles, and adapted toilets. The entire passenger area will be under video surveillance, and monitors will be installed in the passenger area for displaying video content. In addition to visual and audio announcements of stations and stops, passengers on the train will be provided with free internet access (WiFi). The trains will be equipped with a modern passenger information system, sockets, and self-service food and drink machines. The train's capacity is 150 seats (12 in 1st class, 138 in 2nd class).