COMSA Secures a Major Railway Contract in Croatia, Previously Awarded to STRABAG

Why It Matters

The project boosts capacity and speed on Croatia’s primary east‑west rail link, supporting freight to the Port of Rijeka and improving passenger connectivity, while signaling renewed investment in Central European rail infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• COMSA wins €278.8 million contract for 44 km Croatian rail upgrade.
• Project includes second track, electrification, bridges, stations, 160 km/h speed.
• New bid exceeds 2022 €227.4 million award, reflecting higher scope.
• Modernization strengthens Zagreb‑Rijeka corridor, key freight and passenger route.
• Work slated to start summer 2026 after tender appeals resolved.

Pulse Analysis

The Hrvatski Leskovac–Karlovac line sits on the vital Zagreb‑Rijeka axis, a conduit for both passenger traffic and freight bound for Croatia’s largest seaport. When HŽ Infrastruktura first awarded the contract to STRABAG in 2022, the €227.4 million (≈ $250 million) deal was hailed as a cornerstone of the nation’s rail renaissance. However, permitting delays and legal challenges stalled progress, prompting a re‑tender that opened the door for new entrants. COMSA’s successful bid, valued at €278.8 million (≈ $307 million), reflects a broader trend of rising construction costs and expanded project scopes across Europe’s rail sector.

Financially, the higher bid underscores the premium placed on comprehensive modernization—adding a second track, electrification, and state‑of‑the‑art signalling. While the contract price exceeds the original award by roughly $57 million, COMSA secured the work as the second‑lowest offer, suggesting competitive pressure among European infrastructure firms. For the Spanish contractor, the project enhances its portfolio in Eastern Europe, positioning it for future cross‑border tenders as the EU pushes for greener, faster rail corridors.

Operationally, the upgraded line will support speeds up to 160 km/h, cutting travel times and increasing line capacity. This improvement is expected to attract more freight operators seeking efficient links to the Adriatic, bolstering Croatia’s export potential. Passenger services will also benefit, offering faster, more reliable connections between inland cities and the coast. As work is slated to begin in summer 2026, the project exemplifies how renewed public‑private collaboration can accelerate critical infrastructure upgrades in the region.