March the 11th, 2024 – Much has been said about the state of Croatia’s railways and train connections in general, but improvements are being (very slowly) made. The Zadar-Knin railway line is set to make a comeback, with trams being introduced as well.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, much to the delight of Dalmatians, the Zadar-Knin railway is finally being restored after having spent a decade in a state of total disrepair. Trains will run again and the train station in the centre of the city will be moved to Gaženica Port, while the port and the centre will be connected by both trams and electric boats.
The preconditions will be created for production and a revived economy thanks to the reinstated Zadar-Knin railway
“This project is being financed from a loan provided by the European Investment Bank, the second part will be financed from EU funds, and the current plan is also to rebuild the station on this section and eventually purchase modern passenger trains,” says Josip Bilaver, State Secretary in the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and infrastructure.
The Gaženica Port – Zadar intersection will also get a tram
The carrying capacity of the Zadar-Knin railway will be increased to 22 and a half tonnes, and 22 tunnels will be renovated. In the next phase of the project, the railway from Bibinje and Sukošan will be relocated. All types of vehicles will also have an intersection in Gaženica Port, where the new Zadar Railway Station will be. Zadar will also get a tram.
“Architect Pero Marušić made a proposal, a study that would connect Gaženica itself with the city centre as a substitute, after moving the station to Gaženica itself,” explained Darko Kasap, head of spatial planning and construction of the City of Zadar.
Kasap added that road traffic would also be relieved by new lines of electric boats that would stop at the city’s communal ports.
Naturally, Zadar’s locals are thrilled at these plans and can’t wait to use the new Zadar-Knin railway, which will make life much easier for many. “I have a five-year-old child who has always wanted to travel by train. I’m looking at where we could take her, where is the closest place to us for them to experience the train… Šibenik, Split, but there’s nothing here from Zadar,” said Zadar resident Ana.
The selection of contractors for the reconstruction of the Zadar-Knin railway is now drawing to a gradual close, and the works worth more than 90 million euros will soon begin.
