a year of progress and the future of mobility along the cross-border corridor

The past year has been dynamic and rich in content, marked by numerous concrete steps toward revitalising the cross-border region along the Ljubljana - Novo mesto - Karlovac - Zagreb railway corridor. This area holds significant development potential, where infrastructural, economic, environmental, and social challenges intersect – and the railway remains one of the key pillars of future development.
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On the Croatian side, an important milestone was reached with the publication of a public procurement for the construction of a double-track railway between Zagreb and Karlovac, clearly signalling long-term commitment to railway infrastructure development. At the same time, the reconstruction works between Karlovac and Ozalj are nearing completion, while a feasibility study for the Ozalj - state border section is currently being finalised.

On a symbolic level, a replacement bus operated by HŽ Passenger Transport crossed the border and enables cross-border connectivity for passengers in railway transport.

On the Slovenian side, particularly along the Bela krajina railway section, extensive maintenance works were carried out and will continue this year on the Dolenjska line. In Novo mesto, the start of design works is planned for major infrastructure projects between Birčna vas and Bršljin, including the development of a new passenger transport hub at the bus station area. This hub will integrate the Kandija and Novo mesto Center stations, significantly improving the user experience of public transport.

Of particular strategic importance is the Ivančna Gorica - Ljubljana section, where a variant study / pre-investment design for a new double-track railway line has been completed. The documentation has been submitted for review to the Investment Documentation Commission at the Ministry of Infrastructure, representing a crucial step in the spatial planning process. A public presentation is expected soon, which is one of the key milestones on the path toward obtaining a building permit. Construction is currently foreseen to begin shortly after 2030.

Alongside these infrastructure developments, we remain optimistic about numerous upcoming projects that will:
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• improve mobility for residents and businesses,
• reduce environmental impacts, and
• enhance traffic safety.

At EZTS Poti prihodnosti / EGTC Future Paths, we believe in combining existing solutions with smart optimisations and gradual upgrades to achieve meaningful progress toward efficient and inclusive mobility. At the same time, we are actively developing social and community-based projects that connect people along the railway corridor.

In the coming year, we will also participate as a key stakeholder in the preparation of the RCPS - Regional Sustainable Urban Mobility Strategy, which will play an important role in shaping future mobility development.
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The past year has shown that progress is being made. The year ahead offers an opportunity to strengthen these steps - together, across borders, and with a clear vision for the future.