Croatian Motorways (Hrvatske autoceste) has officially opened bids for the construction of two critical sections of the future A1 motorway extension to Dubrovnik, with a combined estimated value of over €400 million. The Rudine–Slano and Slano–Mravinjac segments are part of a complex and high-cost infrastructure project that will finally connect southern Dalmatia with the rest of Croatia via the A1 highway.

For the Rudine–Slano section (9 km), seven construction firms submitted offers. The lowest bid, worth €240.6 million (excluding VAT), came from Afcons Infrastructure Limited, an Indian construction company. The highest bid, exceeding €370 million, was submitted by Turkish firm Doğuş İnşaat.

The Slano–Mravinjac section, which spans 11.5 km, received five offers. Once again, Afcons Infrastructure submitted the lowest proposal, this time for €214.5 million (excluding VAT).

Other major bidders include international and regional names such as STRABAG, Cengiz İnşaat, China Road and Bridge Corporation, and a joint venture between Ashoka Buildcon, TEXO MOLIOR, and Sweden’s Serneke Group.

Engineering Challenge with 19 km of Tunnels and Viaducts

The full motorway extension from Metković to Dubrovnik will stretch 28 kilometers, of which a staggering 19 kilometers will consist of tunnels and viaducts—making it the most expensive road construction project in Croatia to date.

The Rudine–Slano section will include:


Katina Tunnel (1,674 meters)



Zabreže Tunnel (1,428 meters)


The Slano–Mravinjac section will feature:


Crvena greda Tunnel (2,419 meters)



Debela ljut Tunnel (1,763 meters)


EU-Funded Project with International Interest

The project will be co-financed by the European Union and the Croatian national budget, and construction is expected to last between 36 and 42 months, starting once contracts are signed and property rights resolved.

If selected, Afcons Infrastructure Limited would take on its first major construction contract in Europe, marking a significant entry into the continental market for the Indian firm.

Croatian Motorways is currently evaluating all submitted offers, with the goal of selecting the most economically advantageous bid. Once the contractor is chosen, legal and technical preparations will precede the start of construction.

This motorway extension has long been viewed as a strategic and economic priority for Croatia, aiming to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and enhance safety along the southern coastal corridor.