Slovakia will have the opportunity to complete the railway infrastructure connecting the Žilina-Teplička marshalling yard railway, a core Trans-European Transport Network, thanks to a newly adopted investment of more than €190 million from the Cohesion Fund 2014-2020.
- 24 April 2023
The EU funding will support the rebuilding and upgrade of a total of 7.85 km of railway. In the first phase of the project, earthworks will be completed, the old track will be dismantled and supporting structures underneath the railway tracks on the Strážov-Žilina and Budatín-Žilina railway sections and at the Žilina station will be laid.
Two platforms and extended noise barriers will be completed and six railway bridges, four road bridges as well as one new road bridge and six underpasses will be built or rebuilt. Finally, five pedestrian and cyclist underpasses will be built and extended, and an electronic interlocking signalling system together with a European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) signalling equipment will be set up for the Žilina railway node.
Overall, the project will increase the capacity of the rail network and the travelling speed shortening journey times and improving the safety and reliability of rail services. The use of the train will also lead to reductions in nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter emissions. Moreover, a new alternating current power supply will ensure railway interoperability and reduce energy costs. Finally, the funding will also support the improvement of access to stations and trains for people with reduced mobility.
Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “This project strengthens the railway infrastructure in the Žilina region of Slovakia and will have a direct benefit for citizens thanks to a faster, safer and greener travel by train. Once again Cohesion Policy improves concretely the life of citizens on the ground.”
For more information on Cohesion Policy projects in Slovakia, please visit Kohesio and the Cohesion Open Data Platform.