Slovakia has awarded a major railway modernization contract valued at €239.71 million for the electrification and reconstruction of the Banovce nad Ondavou–Humenné railway line, a strategic transport corridor in eastern Slovakia. The contract was awarded by Railways of the Slovak Republic (ŽSR) to ELTRA s.r.o. on 10 April 2026.

The project represents one of the most significant rail infrastructure investments in Slovakia in recent years and forms part of broader efforts to modernize the national railway network, improve operational efficiency, and support sustainable transportation development.

Contract Details and Scope

The awarded tender (Reference Number 31893/2022, Notice Ref. 249870-2026, TOT Ref No. 25670509) carries a total contract value of €239,710,821.67.

The contract covers the implementation of the project titled “ŽSR, Electrification and Related Reconstructions on the Banovce nad Ondavou – Humenné Line Section.”

Key Project Components

The project includes:

• Electrification of an existing 33.5-kilometre single-track railway line

• Installation of a 3 kV DC traction power system

• Reconstruction of railway infrastructure assets

• Upgrading of signalling and safety systems

• Modernization of railway track infrastructure

• Improvements to railway stations and associated facilities

• Civil engineering and utility relocation works

• Pre-electrification modifications and technical adjustments

The modernization program aims to transform the corridor into a more efficient and environmentally sustainable rail route.

Three Major Construction Packages

The project is divided into three primary construction sections:

Building A

Banovce nad Ondavou Station (outside) – Stražske Station (inclusive)

Works include:

• Railway electrification infrastructure

• Track modernization

• Railway signalling and control upgrades

• Related civil engineering works

Building B

Michalovce Station Security Equipment Modernization

This package focuses on:

• Advanced railway safety systems

• Signal modernization

• Operational control improvements

• Traffic management enhancements

Building C

Additional electrification and reconstruction works along the Banovce nad Ondavou–Humenné corridor, including infrastructure improvements required to support modern electric railway operations.

Entities Involved

The contracting authority, Railways of the Slovak Republic (ŽSR), manages and develops Slovakia’s national railway infrastructure network.

The successful contractor, ELTRA s.r.o., is a Slovak engineering and infrastructure company with expertise in railway electrification, signalling systems, and transportation infrastructure projects.

The contract was awarded through a competitive procurement process under European public procurement regulations.

Strategic Importance for Slovakia

Railway electrification is a central component of Slovakia’s transport modernization strategy and supports broader European objectives for sustainable mobility and carbon reduction.

The project is expected to:

• Improve rail transport efficiency

• Increase line capacity and operational reliability

• Reduce dependence on diesel-powered railway operations

• Lower greenhouse gas emissions

• Improve passenger and freight transport performance

• Support regional economic development in eastern Slovakia

• Enhance interoperability with European railway networks

Electrification projects also contribute significantly to long-term operational cost savings and environmental sustainability.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The €239.7 million investment is expected to generate substantial benefits, including:

• Job creation throughout construction and implementation phases

• Improved mobility for passengers and freight operators

• Reduced operating and maintenance costs

• Increased attractiveness of rail transport

• Lower emissions and environmental impact

• Enhanced regional connectivity and investment potential

The project is likely to stimulate economic activity across the Košice and Prešov regions while strengthening transport links within eastern Slovakia.

Technical Significance

The installation of a 3 kV DC traction system will enable electric train operations across the corridor while modern signalling systems will improve safety and operational efficiency.

Major technical elements include:

• Overhead contact line systems

• Power supply infrastructure

• Track and ballast upgrades

• Electronic interlocking and signalling systems

• Telecommunications infrastructure

• Railway station modernization

These improvements will bring the line closer to modern European railway standards.

Conclusion

The award of the €239.71 million Banovce nad Ondavou–Humenné railway electrification contract marks a major milestone in Slovakia’s railway modernization agenda. By electrifying 33.5 kilometres of railway and upgrading critical infrastructure, the project will enhance network efficiency, improve sustainability, and strengthen transport connectivity across eastern Slovakia.

Once completed, the modernized corridor is expected to deliver faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly rail services while supporting the country’s long-term transportation and economic development objectives.

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