JASPERS has confirmed that the major project for upgrade of the railway line is ready to be considered for receiving financing from EU funds.
The Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure received a confirmation from JASPERS about the readiness of the project of modernization and electrification of the railway line between Zaprešić and Zabok, whose eligible costs for co-financing from EU funds amount to as much as 80.8 million euros, announced the Ministry on February 19, 2017.
JASPERS (Joint Assistance in Supporting Projects in European Regions) is a partnership for technical assistance with three partners: the European Commission, the European Investment Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. It offers to EU member states an independent advice which can assist them in the preparation of large-scale infrastructure projects that could be co-financed from the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund.
“By receiving the confirmation on the readiness of the project, we have made an important step in the approval process for another strategic project. The Ministry and the Croatian Railways – Infrastructure public company, as a beneficiary of the project, will continue with further activities on the preparation of the project and its application to the European Commission”, said the Ministry in a statement.
It added that the next steps will include the submission and review of project documents by the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, which will, after the process of harmonization and approval of the project is concluded, officially submit the application for further approval by the Independent Quality Review (IQR). IQR will review the submitted documents for the European Commission and will give a positive or negative recommendation, which will then be further reviewed by the European Commission.
The modernization and electrification of the railway line Zaprešić-Zabok is expected to begin by the end of this year. Its goal is the reconstruction and upgrade of the line in order to ensure safe and efficient rail transportation. After the project is completed, the line is expected to be included in the suburban rail transport network of Zagreb.
The plans provide for a complete reconstruction of the railway line, which will be equipped with appropriate safety signalling and telecommunication devices. Also, railway stations and crossings should also be modernized.
