For 150 years, Croatia has failed to fully integrate the Istrian railway into its national network, a line originally built by the Austro-Hungarians in just three years. Despite 150 years of train operation *within* the Istria peninsula, the region remains the only part of Croatia without direct rail connections to the rest of the country. This lack of connectivity hinders transportation and economic development in Istria. The Istrian railway, completed in the past, presents a continuing infrastructure challenge for Croatia. Experts highlight the issue as a long-standing infrastructural oversight. The situation underscores the need for investment and planning to improve Croatia’s rail infrastructure and connect Istria to the national network.