Following the delivery of 10 electric multiple units for regional transport, the first of 10 electric multiple units for local and intercity transport of the City of Zagreb entered service on 6 October 2015. The train runs on the Dugo Selo – Zagreb main station – Savski Marof (Harmica) route and vice versa.
Zoran Milanović, the President of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, Siniša Hajdaš Dončić, the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure, Dražen Ratković, CEO of HŽ Putnički prijevoz and Board Members Siniša Balent and Robert Frdelja, Darinko Bago, CEO of KONČAR – Elektroindustrija and CEO of KONČAR – Električna vozila Ivan Bahun with associates, were present on its first journey.
Mr Siniša Hajdaš Dončić, the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure, said: “This is a state-of-the-art train, equipped with free wifi and air conditioning, and manufactured using the Croatian skill and know-how. Around 2,000 people were involved in its production. Through further investments in infrastructure and construction of new lines – in parallel to the rehabilitation and modernisation of the existing railway network – we will provide our passengers with high quality service by rail, which is one of the best modes of public transport.”
Mr Dražen Ratković, CEO of HŽ Putnički prijevoz, expressed his satisfaction with the new train by saying:
“This train will travel on the Dugo Selo – Zagreb main station – Savski Marof (Harmica) route. Travel time to Zagreb main station from both directions will be between 20 and 30 minutes. There are 19 stops in local and intercity transport of the City of Zagreb. Around 5 million passengers are carried per year. During peak times, local and intercity trains run every 15 minutes. The competitiveness of rail transport is evident in the shortest travel time on the mentioned route, which contributes to reducing congestion on the roads and parking areas in the city and helps reduce environmental pollution.
The train and its main parts (electronic transformers, transformers, drive and electric powered towing motors) are developed and produced by KONČAR Group branches, in collaboration with numerous subcontractors. In compliance with the obligations arising from the Contract, KONČAR Električna vozila delivers two trains per month to HŽ Putnički prijevoz, and the implementation of such production dynamics confirms once again that the domestic industry is capable of carrying out even the most demanding projects.”
Mr Darinko Bago, CEO of KONČAR – Elektroindustrija, said:
“The production of those trains represents an important deal for KONČAR and a great number of suppliers in Croatia, not only in financial terms but also in terms of an excellent reference. New trains are manufactured by using state-of-the-art technology. This is a product we can be proud of.” .
(Source: HZ Passenger)
