Zagreb, Croatia – October 2025. The Croatian railway infrastructure manager HŽ Infrastruktura d.o.o. has announced a major public tender valued at €35 million (excluding VAT) for the installation of a modern electronic signalling and safety system along the M604 Knin–Split railway section. The project, officially published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ S 192/2025), represents a significant milestone in Croatia’s ongoing railway modernization and safety enhancement programme.
The open tender covers the design and installation of the entire electronic signalling and safety system (ESSU), including the establishment of inter-station dependencies and the integration of central traffic management (CTC) at Knin Station. The project is a key component of the broader Modernization of the M604 Oštarije-Knin-Split Line, one of Croatia’s most strategic transport corridors connecting the Adriatic region with inland Croatia.
Project Scope and Strategic Importance
Spanning approximately 102.7 kilometres, the Knin–Split section includes 12 operational stations and five additional passing points. The works will include installation of advanced signalling technology, enhancement of level crossing safety, and integration with future rail electrification plans. Although the section is currently non-electrified, it is designed for future electrification to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
The tender specifies that the works must be completed within a 48-month period, beginning in February 2026, with no renewal options. The contract falls under CPV code 45234115 (Railway signalling works), with engineering design services also included under CPV 71320000.
While the construction reconstruction of nearby stations - including Perković, Labin Dalmatinski, Drniš, and Kaštel Stari - is not part of this tender, their modernization timeline directly influences the scheduling and integration of the signalling works. Once complete, the new system will enable real-time traffic management, minimize delays, and enhance passenger and freight safety across the Dalmatian rail corridor.
Procurement Process and Participation Criteria
The open procedure (identifier: d1941813-0054-4062-88a1-31abc3977122) is governed by Directive 2014/25/EU and allows participation by both domestic and international contractors. Interested bidders must submit their tenders electronically via the Croatian eProcurement Portal (EOJN) by 2 December 2025, 12:00 CET.
To qualify, bidders are required to demonstrate:
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Proven experience and references in similar railway signalling works;
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Technical capacity through qualified engineers and specialists;
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Average annual turnover and financial stability in accordance with the procurement documentation;
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Compliance with EU and national standards on safety, quality assurance, and corporate integrity.
A bid bond of €700,000 is mandatory, submitted either as a bank guarantee or cash deposit. The award will be determined using a 90:10 price-to-quality ratio, with bid price (90 points) and warranty period (10 points) as key evaluation criteria.
Institutional Oversight and Transparency
The tender is managed by HŽ Infrastruktura d.o.o., headquartered in Zagreb, with oversight by the State Commission for Control of Public Procurement Procedures (DKOM). The project will not be financed by EU funds, but it is covered under the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), ensuring transparency and international competition.
According to procurement officials, the modernization of the Knin-Split railway represents a critical infrastructure investment aimed at enhancing network reliability, interoperability, and transport safety along one of Croatia’s busiest regional routes.
Driving Regional Connectivity and Growth
Once completed, the upgraded signalling system will improve traffic fluidity, reduce travel times, and enhance operational safety across the coastal corridor, which plays a vital role in tourism, freight logistics, and regional trade. The investment also aligns with Croatia’s national transport development strategy, which prioritizes digitalization, sustainable transport, and infrastructure renewal in line with EU standards.
The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities in construction and engineering sectors, while improving Croatia’s capacity for cross-border railway interoperability with neighbouring EU members.
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