Slovakia plans major investment to modernize busy Zvolen-Fiľakovo railway line

The Slovak government has announced plans to invest hundreds of millions of euros in modernizing one of the country’s busiest railway lines, connecting Zvolen and Fiľakovo. The 65-kilometer section is in poor condition, with over two-thirds of it being a single track. The proposed upgrades include electrification, which would reduce environmental impacts, and the potential addition of a double track.

Economy Minister Jozef Ráž emphasized the significance of the project, which aims to improve safety, reduce travel times, and enhance passenger comfort. The preferred modernization option is estimated to cost €295 million, with an additional €20 million required for partial double-tracking. “The current state of this section is far from ideal. We aim to change that, though the project is still in the preparation phase,” Ráž said. He noted that key permitting processes, including a territorial ruling and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), are nearing completion.

The preferred plan includes full electrification of the line, increasing the maximum train speed to 120 km/h, and implementing a new control center along with advanced safety features. These improvements are expected to significantly enhance the technical level of the railway, making it safer and more comfortable for passengers.

Ráž highlighted the environmental benefits, stating that electrification would reduce the negative impact of diesel locomotives by up to 60%. The modernization is also expected to cut travel times—saving 4.5 minutes for standard trains and nearly 10 minutes for express services.

The upgrades are projected to reduce operating costs, including personnel expenses. According to Ráž, the need for railway staff could decrease by up to 100 positions after modernization, thanks to the automation and centralized control systems. Additionally, the improved infrastructure would allow for the introduction of more frequent services, including hourly trains during peak times and two-hour intervals during off-peak periods. The feasibility study estimates that these changes could lead to a 35% increase in passenger numbers.

The total cost of the recommended modernization variant is approximately €295 million, with the partial double-tracking option pushing the figure to €315 million. Ráž stressed the importance of continuing the preparatory and permitting processes to ensure the project’s progress. “We are prepared to secure the necessary building permits and move forward swiftly. I believe we can advance this project significantly in a short time,” he said.

With these plans, Slovakia aims to modernize a critical railway link, boosting regional connectivity, supporting environmental goals, and meeting the growing demand for efficient public transportation.

Source: Korzár