Croatian, BiH transport ministers discuss revitalisation of Una railway

Regarding rail transport between the two countries, the two officials discussed the reconstruction of the Una railway and the establishment of passenger rail service on the Sarajevo-Zagreb route. Also discussed was the rehabilitation of the Sava River waterway.

The meeting also covered transport infrastructure projects such as the reconstruction of the Brcko-Gunja bridge and the construction of a new bridge at the same location, the Adriatic-Ionian motorway section through Bosnia and Herzegovina (Pocitelj-Neum-Trebinje-border with Montenegro), the construction of the Jajce-Bihac-Kladusa expressway to the Croatian border, and the agreement between the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Government of Croatia on the reconstruction of the Novi Grad (BiH)-Dvor (Croatia) bridge.

"We last met in 2023, when we opened a series of important topics regarding the improvement of bilateral cooperation, particularly in building and reconstructing bridges, transport connectivity, and other joint infrastructure projects. Croatia is a strong advocate of Bosnia and Herzegovina's European path, and in this process we remain a reliable and steadfast partner," said Butkovic.

Focusing on rail infrastructure and transport, particular attention was given to the rehabilitation of the Una railway. Butkovic highlighted that Croatia is currently undergoing a strong investment cycle in rail infrastructure, with around €6 billion to be invested over the next ten years.

"We are ready to provide full support for this project, even though we are aware of a number of technical and other challenges that need to be addressed together," Butkovic said.

Minister Forto said that in political discussions the priority is often given to road transport over rail, but that he personally believes this approach needs to change.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rail network that needs revitalisation, and the Una Railway is certainly part of this process," Forto said, adding that European transport corridors are often discussed only in the context of highways, even though there is a parallel railway corridor along Corridor Vc with significant potential.

"We have launched a technical study that will provide us with clear guidance on what needs to be done on the Una railway, as well as an assessment of the costs of such a project. It is extremely important for us to hear that this project has a future and support from the Croatian side," Forto said.