NOVSKA-OKUCANI-NOVA GRADISKA RAILWAY TO OPEN THIS AFTERNOON

ZAGREB, May 5 (Hina) - The Novska-Okucani-Nova Gradiska section of the Zagreb-Vinkovci railway is to be opened this afternoon, Transport Minister Ivica Mudrinic announced today. Repairs to the power lines and signals will be carried out in line with the Croatian Railways reconstruction and modernisation program. Diesel engines and makeshift signalisation will be used in the meantime. "The reopening of this railway line to traffic after more than three years will greatly contribute to Croatia's economic competitiveness," the Transport Ministry said in a statemet. "The MInistry is expecting the return of international transit and international financial assistance to the rehabilitation and modernisation of the line," the statement said. (hina) jn as 051820 MET may 95