Full Breakdown
Afcons Infrastructure Secures €677 Million Railway Contract in Croatia
5/12/2026, 1:05:44 PM
Award of Croatia’s Largest Railway Project to Afcons
Afcons Infrastructure Ltd, an Indian EPC contractor, has been chosen by HŽ Infrastruktura, Croatia’s railway infrastructure manager, as the most suitable bidder for rebuilding and expanding the 83-km Dugo Selo–Novska line. The €677.07 million (?INR7,544 crore) contract covers reconstruction of the existing track, addition of a second track, electrification, signalling, telecom, station upgrades, removal or grade-separation of level crossings, noise barriers and power-system work. The project, Croatia’s largest railway undertaking, is slated for a five-year-ten-month execution.
Project Scope, Funding and Expected Impact
The €677 million bid, judged the most economically favourable, excludes VAT and is co-financed by EU funds. Upon completion, the line will support speeds up to 160 km/h, boosting cross-border freight and passenger links. Key figures include an 83-km length, a five-year-ten-month schedule, and EU financing that underpins modernization of a strategic corridor.
Afcons' International Track Record
Afcons, headquartered in Mumbai, has delivered major Indian works such as the Chenab Bridge on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla line, the under-river tunnel for Kolkata’s East-West Metro, and the Atal Tunnel under Rohtang Pass. The Croatian contract is its largest overseas order and its first major European project.
Official Statements & Responses
Executive chairman Krishnamurthy Subramanian called the award a milestone in Afcons’ global expansion, while managing director S Paramasivan emphasized the technical scope of rebuilding the line and adding a second track. HŽ Infrastruktura confirmed Afcons submitted the lowest-priced bid and stressed the project’s strategic value for Croatia’s rail network. Afcons later reported receipt of a client communication confirming the proposed award, which briefly lifted its share price.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This project underscores Afcons' long-term commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure globally and is to be the company's largest international order to date,” — Afcons Infrastructure Ltd, press note
- “This milestone project marks a significant step in Afcons' global journey, with an entry into Europe. It reflects our ability to deliver complex, large-scale infrastructure solutions across geographies,” — Krishnamurthy Subramanian, Executive Chairman, Afcons Infrastructure Ltd
- “Upon completion, trains on the Dugo Selo–Novska route will be able to operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h, significantly improving rail connectivity and transport efficiency in Croatia.” — HŽ Infrastruktura, official statement
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The contract value appears as €677.07 million in some reports and €677,055,750.67 in others, a minor rounding difference. Sources do not give the exact contract-signing date, leaving the start of construction uncertain. No criticism or opposition has been reported.
What’s Next
After contract signing, Afcons will mobilize to start civil works, targeting a 2026 launch. HŽ Infrastruktura and EU fund managers will monitor progress, and successful delivery could lead to further European contracts for Afcons.
