A multi-million euro investment package has brought major improvements to a 19 km stretch of railway track, as well as significant environmental benefits.
- 22 April 2013
The EUR 158 million project, part-funded by the European Union’s Cohesion Fund, involved the modernisation of a section of double-track electrified railway between the towns of Žilina and Krásno nad Kysucou, on the line connecting Žilina and Čadca, close to the borders with Poland and the Czech Republic.
The upgrade means that a previous speed limit of 120 km/h has been increased to 140 km/h, and up to 160 km/h for tilting-trains. The project involved the modernisation of existing railway tracks and overhead lines, the construction of a new bridge, the rebuilding of 11 bridges, 12 level crossings, substations and switching stations and the modernisation of stations at Kysucké Nové Mesto and Krásno nad Kysucou and railway stops at Brodno, Rudina, Ochodnica and Dunajov. Modern passenger information systems were installed at stations along the route.
The project is important for both passenger transport and freight as the upgraded track forms part of a designated trans-European transport route connecting the Slovakian capital Bratislava with the port of Gdansk, on Poland’s Baltic coast, part of the so-called TEN-T Programme.
One of the main aims of the project is to increase the safety of passengers and railway traffic through the building of underpasses, new platforms and the introduction of modern security technology. Passengers with reduced mobility, as well as those with push-chairs and heavy luggage, have benefitted through the installation of lifts and ramps and improved wheelchair access.
Supporting greener modes of transport
The environment has also benefitted through the construction of 11.6 km of noise control barriers along the railway line. In addition, because the improved railway line is expected to reduce freight transport by truck in the region, it is estimated that carbon dioxide emissions should be reduced by 3 000 tonnes a year. By making rail transport more attractive, it is also hoped that the project can encourage a shift from road to rail for passengers as well.
The project is one of a number of projects which aim to improve the railway line between Žilina and Čadca, which should ultimately have the result of integrating the Slovakian railway system into the pan-European network.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the “Modernisation of the Žilina – Krásno nad Kysucou line” project was EUR 158 840 953 of which the EU’s Cohesion Fund contributed EUR 85 877 364 through the “Transport” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period. The national contribution was EUR 15 154 829.