CROATIA: The first of six electro-diesel multiple-units ordered by national passenger operator HŽPP for use on the Zagreb – Split route was unveiled at Končar KEV’s Jankomir factory on March 16.
The 75 m long, 160 km/h low-floor units will offer around 150 seats, including 12 in first class. The first train is scheduled for delivery in mid-2026, with all six expected to enter service by the end of the year. The €57·3m order placed in July 2024 is being financed through a loan from the European Investment Bank.
HŽ PP currently carries just under 250 000 passengers/year on the 429 km route between the capital and the country’s second-largest city, which is electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz as far as Oštarije.
Services have been operated using Bombardier Transportation Class 7123 two-car tilting diesel multiple-units since 2024. These are identical to the BR612 DMUs used on regional services in Germany, and HŽ PP expects significant ridership growth following the introduction of the new trains more suited to long-distance operations and an improved timetable with three daily services in each direction.
The fastest journey time, achieved in the 2008-09 timetable, was 5 h 30 min. Journey times for the non-tilting Končar KEV trains have not yet been announced, but are expected to be longer.
A further five electro-diesel units have been ordered for delivery in 2027 for use on services linking Zagreb with Osijek, Rijeka and with Pula via Slovenia.
- Subscribers can read an exclusive interview with HŽPP CEO Željko Ukić from the June 2025 issue of Railway Gazette International magazine.
