SLOVAK rail infrastructure manager ŽSR has signed a €369m contract with construction company Združenie pod Dubinou for the modernisation of the 14.5km line between Poprad Tatry and Krompachy in the High Tatra mountains region of eastern Slovakia.
The upgrade project, which the contract specifies must be completed within three years, includes the complete replacement of track and other superstructure, as well as station modernisation, although work on Poprad Tatry station is excluded. The works will increase the maximum line speed to 160km/h from the current 80-110km/h.
This is the latest section of the 242km Žilina - Košice line to be upgraded, following on from the €96m modernisation of the stretch between Štrba and Poprad Tatry, which is nearing completion. This project includes 3km of realigned track near Lučivna and provision for conversion of overhead electrification from 3kV dc to 25kV ac. Svit station has been modernised, including the provision of a freight loop suitable for trains up to 750m long.
Združenie pod Dubinou is a consortium of TSS Grade Bratislava and Doprastav Bratislava.
ŽSR is currently planning modernisation of the Liptovský Mikuláš - Paludza section of the Žilina - Košice line and is likely to apply for co-financing from the European Union.
