Modernising Slovenia’s railways: EU funding for upgrading the Pragersko railway hub

Ljubljana, 25 March 2021 – Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has approved funding for the project Upgrading and modernising the Pragersko railway station and railway hub. Total project cost stands at EUR 90 million, of which EUR 40 million will come from the European Regional Development Fund.

As part of the project, works will include upgrade of tracks and switches on a 18.32-kilometre long section, construction of a grade-separated crossing, an underpass and a bridge to improve safety at level crossings and reconstruction of buildings at the railway station. Additionally, 5.11 kilometres of roads will undergo reconstruction and 2.125 kilometres of noise barriers will be erected along the railway lines.  

Once completed, this railway modernisation project that will be managed by the Slovenian Infrastructure Agency aims to ensure that all works will result in putting in place technical standards in compliance with the applicable TEN-T standards and interoperability requirements, ensuring that the line will be upgraded to D4 category line able to accommodate locomotives with an axle weight of up to 22.5 tonnes per axle and trains with a speed of 160 kmph on the section Maribor-Celje.

Upgrade and modernisation works will contribute to increasing safety, improving comfort, ensuring shorter and better journeys with fewer delays and reducing negative environmental impacts of rail transport.