en.Wedoany.com Reported - Croatian passenger railway operator HŽ Putnički prijevoz (HŽPP) has signed a contract to purchase six Končar battery electric multiple units (BEMUs) and will build the country's first hybrid charging station at Kotoriba railway station.
The contract, valued at €53.6 million, was signed by Končar – Electric Vehicles and HŽPP on July 16, following a tender launched in May 2026. A financing agreement was also signed, fully supported by the EU Modernisation Fund, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable rail transport.
The financing agreement was signed in the presence of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković by Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković, Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition Marija Vučković, Director of the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund Luka Balen, and HŽPP CEO Željko Ukić.
Plenković stated that the procurement of Končar battery-powered trains exemplifies the use of Modernisation Fund resources, where revenues from the emissions trading system are invested in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and enhance economic competitiveness. The €53.6 million investment in six battery-powered trains and the Kotoriba charging station clearly demonstrates this approach.
The new battery-powered trains are scheduled to enter service in 2028 and early 2029, primarily serving northern Croatia. As part of the project, Kotoriba station will feature Croatia's first hybrid charging station, equipped with a photovoltaic power plant and energy storage system. On non-electrified lines, the trains operate on battery power at a maximum speed of 120 km/h; on electrified lines, they draw power from the overhead catenary at a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Batteries will be charged via the overhead catenary and dedicated charging stations. Each train offers 150 seats, with multiple units capable of coupling to increase capacity, is fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility, and is equipped with free Wi-Fi, electronic device charging sockets, and a modern passenger information system.
Transport Minister Butković noted that Croatia already operates 70 new low-floor trains, and with this contract, an additional 25 new trains have been ordered, while over €1.5 billion is being invested in the renovation and development of railway infrastructure. Fully funded by the Modernisation Fund, this project is one of Croatia's key investments in transport decarbonization. The Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition stated that the upcoming Social Climate Plan also includes funding for an additional 30 new trains and three more charging stations. HŽPP CEO Ukić said at the contract signing ceremony that the battery-powered trains, capable of operating on both electrified and non-electrified lines, will allow passengers to travel without transfers while enjoying higher levels of comfort and service quality. This project represents a significant step toward modern, reliable, accessible, and environmentally friendly rail transport.
