Croatian Railways station upgrades

The situation concerning accessibility of the Croatian Railway network has been very poor historically, with only a small fraction of stations adjusted in line with railway accessibility standard (PRM TSI - Persons with Disabilities and with Reduced Mobility TSI). Coupled with the passenger train operator’s outdated and high-floor rolling stock, accessibility was limited to only several large stations where a wheelchair lift was available, on request, at least one day ahead.

But with reconstruction and modernization projects, partially funded by European Union cohesion and infrastructure funds, situation has started to change for the better, with several bigger projects expanding the number of accessible stations and stopping places across the network. The first such comprehensive project to be completed was modernization and electrification of R201 regional line from Zaprešić to Zabok (in Zagreb suburban/regional rail zone) completed in 2022, which saw seven station/stops rebuilt to accessibility standards and facilities. Implementation of the 550 mm platform height coupled with new low-floor coaches allows for level-access all the way from street and cart parking zones to platforms and trains. Subsequent projects currently in various stages of construction include modernization of mainlines on TEN-T corridors (Zagreb-Koprivnica, Zagreb-Karlovac, Dugo Selo-Novska) and several smaller modernization projects of regional and local lines that include upgrades to accessibility.

While this has been a standard practice in many European countries for years and decades, in Croatia this has been a recent major change that railways have started to apply PRM TSI standards to all projects but today only 10% of stations and 25% of stops servicing an estimated 23% of total passenger trips can be considered accessible. Currently ongoing projects that will be completed in the next 5 years will improve this to 22% of stations and 38% of stops that service 43% of passenger trips, but still the accessibility situation will be very varied across the railway network.

Another major issue is Zagreb Main Station which is an origin or destination of 17% of all trips, which requires large investments and major reconstruction to be brought in compliance with PRM TSI for assistance-free accessibility; just solving the accessibility deficits at this major hub would dramatically improve accessibility.

Many challenges exist and some of the implementations have issues that need to be addressed by continuous pressure of all stakeholders on the railway infrastructure operator (HŽ Infrastruktura d.o.o.) and the passenger operating company (HŽ Putnički Prijevoz d.o.o.) to meet their obligations under PRM TSI and other regulations.

More accessible rail passenger transport.

See images of Croatian Railways station upgrades.

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