Wedoany.com Report-Dec 06, This infrastructure is part of the broader Križevci–Koprivnica–state border project, which includes reconstructing existing tracks and building a second track to increase capacity and connectivity.

A newly constructed railway track connecting Croatia and Hungary has been opened for operations. Spanning approximately 2.5 kilometers from Novo Drnje station to the Hungarian border, the new track, along with the Drava River bridge, was inaugurated late on December 2, 2024.

Drava River bridge central to expanded rail operations

The 300-meter-long Drava River bridge, designed to support two tracks, replaces an older structure with limited load capacity. Constructed using the longitudinal push method—a first for Croatia—the 4,000-ton steel bridge is 10 meters high and wide. The new bridge supports the Mediterranean Corridor, a key freight route connecting the Port of Rijeka to Hungary and beyond.

The old single-track bridge could not handle increased freight traffic or higher train speeds. The new bridge is expected to accommodate more freight trains, enhancing the efficiency of cargo movement along this critical corridor.

Progress on the Križevci–Koprivnica–state border project

The overall project spans 42.6 kilometers, of which 38 kilometers of new track have been completed. The remaining four kilometers between Mučna Reka and Koprivnica are under construction. Additionally, around 10 kilometers of the existing track have been reconstructed. Once finished, the double-track railway will allow trains to operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h. The project, valued at €350 million, is co-financed by the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

The new infrastructure aims to handle over 30 trains per day, a significant increase from the six trains that operated before Croatia's accession to the Schengen Area. This growth is attributed to the removal of border controls and the improved capacity provided by the upgraded track and bridge.

Future steps and completion timeline

The project is reported to be approximately 75% complete, with final works scheduled to conclude by the end of 2025. Once finished, the route will not only accommodate higher train speeds but also provide greater capacity for freight and passenger traffic, supporting regional connectivity and trade.

The Drava River bridge and the associated rail improvements are part of ongoing efforts to modernize Croatia’s railway network and strengthen its role in European transport corridors.