{"id":574598,"date":"2026-10-12T18:42:53","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T08:42:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.railfreight.com\/?p=74958"},"modified":"2026-10-12T18:42:53","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T08:42:53","slug":"rail-access-to-port-of-rijeka-blocked-for-a-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=574598","title":{"rendered":"Rail access to Port of Rijeka blocked for a week"},"content":{"rendered":"

A serious freight train derailment has once again disrupted railway access to the Port of Rijeka, in Croatia. H\u017d Infrastruktura warned that clearing the site and repairing the track could take up to a week, leaving operators without valid alternative routes.<\/strong>
\n<\/span>The train involved in the derailment was hauled by ENNA, Croatia\u2019s main private operator, on behalf of Transagent. Loaded with grain, the convoy derailed near Meja, a few kilometres south of the port of Rijeka. The country\u2019s infrastructure manager said that the driver had reported brake failure, with the train travelling at over 100km\/h before derailing.<\/p>\n

Eleven wagons plunged into a ravine, while the locomotive and two derailed wagons remained at the station. No injuries were reported. The accident also caused substantial damage to the embankment and a wind barrier wall. Following the accident, traffic was suspended on the Zagreb\u2013Rijeka line. The section between Moravice and Rijeka includes steep gradients of up to 27\u2030, placing significant demands on train braking systems.<\/p>\n

Pivka \u2013 Rijeka corridor<\/h2>\n

The disruption is particularly significant because the line is the only one providing access to the Port of Rijeka with a 22.5-tonne axle-load capability. The alternative western route via Pivka in Slovenia, is restricted to \u2018only\u2019 18 tonnes per axle between Pivka and \u0160apjane.<\/p>\n

The derailment at Meja has renewed calls to upgrade the Slovenian section of the Pivka \u2013 Rijeka line, which could provide an alternative route for freight to and from the Port of Rijeka. Marko \u0160kraljsky, president of the Croatian Association of Shipping Agents, told local media that the issue had been raised with Croatian and Slovenian authorities for years, without a resolution.<\/p>\n

Rijeka’s freight volumes have been growing, supported by the new Rijeka Gateway container terminal and increased rail transport of vehicles and Ukrainian grain for export by sea. Du\u0161ko Grabovac, president of the port, said the disruption would also affect bulk cargo, including shipments that can only be dispatched by rail.<\/p>\n

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The Rijeka Gateway Terminal. Image: \u00a9 APM Terminals<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

New lowland Zagreb \u2013 Rijeka line<\/h2>\n

Croatia\u2019s plans to improve rail access to its main port remain at the preparation stage, with the new lowland line from Karlovac and the doubling of the coastal section still lacking confirmed construction schedules. The proposed 111 km lowland line to Tijani would provide a faster, double-track route through the mountainous hinterland, allowing freight trains to travel at 120 km\/h.<\/p>\n

Environmental approvals have been obtained for the Karlovac\u2013Skradnik and Skradnik\u2013Krasica\u2013Tijani sections, but preliminary designs, permits, funding arrangements and construction procurement remain outstanding. A very optimistic programme envisages construction starting in 2028 and opening in 2033, although this is not a confirmed commitment.<\/p>\n