PRAGERSKO HODOS RAILWAY - 1ST & 2ND PHASE

The project includes reconstruction, electrification and upgrading of the railway line Pragersko-Hodos for 160 km/h, part of the TEN-T Priority Project No. 6 Lyon-Trieste-Divaca/Koper-Divaca-Ljubljana-Budapest-Ukraine border. It includes Phase I entailing most of the works and Phase II encompassing the improvement of level crossing along the line.

The project contributes to the objective of promoting sustainable transport, as increased rail usage with a shift from road will reduce road traffic emissions and road traffic accidents. In particular, it will improve the quality and competitiveness of cargo transport by rail, reduce travel times for passenger rail services, develop interoperability of railways, increase safety and minimise environmental impact. The project will also promote EU objectives on economic and social cohesion as it is located in a convergence area.

Phase I falls under Annex I of the EU EIA Directive (2011/92/EU). Phase I was subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment for which the Environmental Protection Consent was granted by the competent authority (CA) in October 2012. With regard to Phase II, the CA issued a Statement (which can be considered a screening-out opinion) in January 2013. In May 2013, the CA issued a Screening Proforma together with a document explaining the decision in accordance with criteria of Annex II of the EU EIA Directive. The project will contribute to reducing noise emissions and air pollution as a modal shift from road to rail is expected. Compliance with environmental and nature protection directives and procedures and status of environmental permits will be checked during appraisal.

The Promoter is subject to public procurement rules according to EU regulations. The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project have been/shall be tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation (Directives 2004/18/EC or 2004/17/EC and Dir. 2007/66/EC), with publication of tender notices in the EU Official Journal, as and where appropriate.

None.