A study will be developed to revitalise Croatia – Slovenia cross border rail connection on the L102 route from Savski Marof and Kumrovec to Imeno, the so-called Kumrovec railway.
The initiative was launched by the mayor of Podčetrtek (Slovenia), Peter Misja, and the mayor of Kumrovec (Croatia) during a meeting attended by the Croatian state secretary in the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, Žarko Tušek, and the President of HŽ Infrastruktura Management Board, Ivan Kršić.
Žarko Tušek revealed that this Croatia – Slovania cross border rail project is part of the strategic priorities for key projects. “This project will be a challenge, primarily border challenges and interstate challenges that need to be communicated before construction works begin. Everyone gathered is aware of the importance of this railway line and agrees how necessary is for the life an economy for local population in both countries,” Croatian Minister of Transport said.
For the project, HŽ Infrastruktura prepared a tender for the preparation of documentation including the feasibility study, analysis of costs and conceptual solutions, for the modernisation and electrification of the 38.5 km railway Savski Marof – Kumrovec – state border line.
By the end of October, it is expected that the tender will be launched. After the preparation of the study, Croatia will start the project documentation for the revitalisation of the line which, until its closure, in 2000, it was daily used by five pairs of passenger trains.
The Croatian Minister of Transport said that two decades ago, there were initiatives to rebuild the line, but it was concluded that that due to its dilapidation, a complete reconstruction would have to be implemented.
“EUR 3.5 million of funding for the development of study traffic is already secured from the European Investment Bank and once the optimal variant will be selected, the project’s cost will be unveiled. Then the agreement for the construction, maintenance and everything related to the railway will be signed,” the President of HŽ Infrastruktura Board said.
The Croatia – Slovenia cross border rail is important not only for Kumrovec, but for the entire region. “The reconstruction of Kumrovec railway will help not only the demographic picture, but also the development of the economy and tourism while the border issues will be solved through mutual agreements and meetings,” the mayor of Podčetrtka, Peter Misja, said.
Once the traffic is resumed, the line will provide connection between Imeno in Slovenia to Zagreb.
In 2008, Croatia’s Ministry of Transport inaugurated the modernised and electrified Sutla – Harmica section, and Harmica new stop, part of the 38 km Savski Marof – Kumrovec line. The Sutla – Harmica suburban line crosses through Savski Marof, Zagreb and Dugo Selo
The line to Savski Marof – Kumrovec – State border line was built in 1596 and a section to the state border Kumrovec was completed in 1969.
In Croatia, the 17.8 km double-track Savski Marof – Zagreb West station connection is reconstructed and stations and stops along the section are upgraded, while the existing bridges are repaired. In addition, new signalling, interlocking and traffic management systems are to be installed to allow passenger trains to be able to run at up to 120 km/h. This project will increase transport capacity and safety, while reducing travel time, attracting more daily commuters to the connection with the capital. This project is expected to be completed this year.
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