Project summary
The project involved the reconstruction of the entire 23.86 km long railway line section to enable speeds of up to 120 km/h, electrification of the system with AC 25kV/50Hz, reinforcement of the track for loads up to 22.5 tons per axle, and installation of appropriate signalling, interlocking, and telecommunication devices. It also included the reconstruction of station buildings and stops—particularly extensive work on the station building in Zabok, where passenger and cargo transport sections were segregated—and the elimination of dangerous level crossings.
The railway section Zaprešić – Zabok with an actual length of 23,860 m is the busiest part of the R201 Zaprešić – Čakovec railway. This section boasts the largest number of passengers (to Zabok as the final destination, but also further on to Krapina and Gornja Stubica by rail lines diverging in Zabok), and a slightly higher volume of transported freight than elsewhere on the line (apart from the Varaždin – Čakovec section).
The project involved the reconstruction of the entire 23.86 km railway line section to enable speeds of up to 120 km/h, electrification with AC 25kV/50Hz, reinforcement of the track for loads up to 22.5 tons per axle, and installation of appropriate signalling, interlocking, and telecommunication devices.
It included the reconstruction of station buildings and stops—particularly extensive at the Zabok station, where passenger and cargo transport sections were segregated—and the elimination of dangerous level crossings.
This reconstruction and renewal ensure safe and efficient railway traffic and harmonization with requirements for railways of regional significance. The electrification and design speed enable full integration of the section into the Zagreb metropolitan area suburban railway system. Reinforcement to allow trains weighing up to 22.5 tons per axle removes previous restrictions on freight traffic.
The modernization and electrification of the Zaprešić – Zabok railway section have improved the line to enable its full incorporation into the suburban railway traffic system of Zagreb. The increased permitted speed has shortened total travel time between Zagreb and Zabok.
The maximum permissible axle load was upgraded from category B2 (18.0 tons per axle, 6.4 tons per meter) to category D4, allowing trains weighing up to 22.5 tons per axle and 8.0 tons per meter, thus enhancing freight transport capacity.
These improvements support better interoperability of railway transport, facilitate service provision to EU operators, and increase the competitiveness of the Croatian railway network.
Additional infrastructure enhancements include the construction of car parking lots and installation of bicycle racks at every station and stop, with bus stops located nearby to improve connectivity and competitiveness of rail transport.
Project results
The project successfully modernized and electrified the Zaprešić–Zabok line, reconstructing and renovating it to ensure safe and efficient railway traffic. The operation of the line has been harmonized with requirements for regional railways, enabling its full incorporation into the Zagreb metropolitan suburban railway system.
The project has improved the interoperability of railway transport, facilitating the provision of railway services to EU operators and increasing the competitiveness of the Croatian railway network.
