After the introduction of the new international weekend line Sarajevo – Ploce – Sarajevo, several more concrete steps are coming from the Railways of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH).
The Minister of Communications and Transport of BiH, Edin Forto, supports the introduction of additional passenger lines and emphasizes that this can be only the beginning. With the support of both entity governments, the railways can improve the quality of life throughout BiH, especially in the surroundings of urban centers such as Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka, Tuzla, Zenica, and Bihac.
“In my discussions with the World Bank, I am preparing a package for the Railways of the FBiH in order to invest in infrastructure safety, digitalization, and much greater efficiency of internal operations of one of the largest companies in BiH. I have no doubt that the Government of the FBiH will accept this arrangement,” stated Forto.
The new international line Sarajevo – Ploce operates on weekends as an extension of the Sarajevo – Capljina route, confirming the demand from the summer season and providing citizens with a reliable connection to the Adriatic for most of the year.
The Railways of the FBiH, in cooperation with institutions at the cantonal and municipal levels, have launched the preparation of project documentation for the modernization of platforms and stops at 18 locations (Buca Potok, Alipasin Most, Ilidza, Hadzici…). The focus is on urban and suburban transport, that is, on better access, safer platforms, and faster connections between suburban settlements and the city center.
A modern, centralized system for ticket sales and distribution (web, mobile application, partner sales points) is being prepared. The goal is to reduce queues, speed up ticket purchasing, and obtain a more precise insight into passenger flows in real time.
An intensification of tourist train traffic is planned: the Sarajevo – Vares route, expansion of the Una line Martin Brod – Bihac – Bosanska Krupa through Una National Park, and a new panoramic route Sarajevo – Konjic – Jablanica – Mostar. The railway is becoming a tool for the development of domestic tourism.
In cooperation with HZ Passenger Transport, the establishment of a direct Sarajevo – Zagreb – Sarajevo line is planned by the end of 2026 (initially on weekends). This is an important step toward better integration of BiH into the European railway network.
After three decades, the transport of oil by rail has been re-established on the Ploce – Blazuj section, bringing a safer and more sustainable supply chain. Within the company Railways of the FBiH, a new Work Regulation and Job Systematization have been adopted, thereby raising the professional standard and efficiency of services, it was stated by the Ministry of Communications and Transport of BiH.
