As part of the modernization of the signalling, AŽD will install fully electronic station interlocking equipment ESA 44 in Croatia, which will control railway traffic in three railway stations (Hrvatski Leskovac, Jastrebarsko, Karlovac) and in six stops. The delivery also includes an integrated line signalling system, securing 62 switches, installing an axle counting system and equipping all mentioned railway stations and track sections with more than 200 modern LED signals. AŽD also provides the supply of 8 railway level crossing systems, point heating systems, telecommunications and modifications to existing buildings under architectural protection. AŽD will also equip the entire line (total length of 44 km) with the unified European Train Control System ETCS level L1 with the extension of one Radio Block Centre for ETCS level L2. This section is part of the pan-European corridor (Zagreb – Rijeka).
"Croatia has been in long term one of the strategic territories where our company has always wanted to supply modern railway signalling technologies. For us, this first significant project is both the culmination of a tremendous effort and a great challenge to demonstrate the quality of Czech systems and the professionalism of AŽD. We feel committed by the trust in our company expressed by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Croatian government ministers at the signing of the contract," said AŽD CEO Zdeněk Chrdle.
The signing of this contract was preceded by a fierce competition, when the consortium of Alstom Ferroviaria and Končar – Inženjering did not hesitate to file a lawsuit with the Supreme Commercial Court of the Republic of Croatia due to the award of the contract to AŽD. However, the decision came in favor of AŽD. By signing the contract, AŽD confirmed its significant position in the Balkan countries, where, in addition to Croatia, it is currently implementing large-scale projects in Serbia, Montenegro and also in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The subsidiary AŽD Zagreb d.o.o. and other Croatian companies will also play a significant role in realisation of the Hrvatski Leskovac – Karlovac line project.