On track to the region: Reviving rail links from Sarajevo to Zagreb

The seasonal Sarajevo–Ploce line operates from June 27 to September 1 and, according to ZFBiH acting director Mirza Hadzibegic, is attracting strong interest from both domestic and foreign passengers.

“There’s a lot of interest, and people don’t even realize how valuable and attractive the natural beauty offered by a train ride really is,” Hadzibegic emphasized.

A new tourist line to Vares has drawn additional attention. Although it is not a regular line but rather a promotional one, “passengers are thrilled,” says Hadzibegic, adding that the media and travel agencies have responded extremely positively.

Challenges remain despite rising interest

“Railways have suffered from decades of underinvestment—both in infrastructure and in the fleet,” Hadzibegic admits.

A particular problem is outdated stations, such as the main station in Sarajevo, whose hygienic and technical conditions are often criticized.

Plans include urgent interventions at points where speeds have been reduced, as well as the modernization of railway crossings for safety reasons.

Floods that hit the south of the country led to months-long service disruptions.

“Our infrastructure suffered enormous damage, and Komadino Vrelo alone became a symbol of that destruction,” the director explains.

Some 4.2 million KM were allocated for urgent repairs, while an additional €47 million is expected from the Solidarity Fund for a comprehensive reconstruction.

Due to traffic disruptions, ZFBiH lost a contract for transporting ore from Ploce to Serbia.

“Of the planned 900,000 tons, we transported only half, resulting in a loss of around 14 million KM,” Hadzibegic noted.

Bulk cargo transport—such as coal and coke—is also declining, and the director warns that the focus must urgently shift to higher-value goods like oil.

No online ticket sales in 2025

“In 2025, online ticket sales are still not available,” Hadzibegic admits. “We have plans and documentation for digitalization, but everything moves slowly because railways are expensive.”

The goal is multichannel sales, mobile apps, and contactless payments—but this will require external funding and serious technical support.

Over the past decade, ZFBiH has lost more than 1,300 workers, and “the average age of employees is 53,” the director warns.

Hiring young professionals is underway, but the systematization and modernization of the workforce plan is still in preparation.

In addition to seasonal routes, there are plans for an international Sarajevo–Zagreb line, as well as local lines such as Mostar–Capljina, Konjic–Mostar, and Zenica–Sarajevo.

“Successful pilot projects from Sarajevo give us hope that we can establish efficient urban railway transport,” Hadzibegic concludes.