MODERNISATION TRAM TRACKS IN KOSICE (FL20140465)

The project consists of the design, construction and commissioning of the renewal and modernisation of the tracks and catenary infrastructure of the double tram lines of a total length of 7.9 km in the city of Kosice in Slovakia as well as the upgrading of crossings and turning terminals.

The renewed and modernised tramlines will - in conjunction with the already-procured new rolling stock - increase public transport passenger service reliability and comfort, thereby supporting the modal split in favour of public transport. This will support the decrease or limitation of congestion on the existing transport network and is thus expected to improve quality of life and access to the urban area.

The project supports investment in the public transport system in Kosice, Slovakia through the rehabilitation of tramway infrastructure. This is fully in line with EU and EIB objectives on sustainable cities and regions, climate action, environmental sustainability, and economic and social cohesion. The project has received an EU grant, which the Bank financing will complement. The project is expected to provide very good socio-economic benefits by helping to improve the attractiveness of public transport, decreasing daily car-trips and alleviating congestion and other associated externalities in the transport system in Kosice. EIB's advice and financial contribution has a positive impact on the technical quality and implementation of the project. The promoter has benefited from JASPERS involvement during project preparation.

The EIB's involvement in the financing of the project will contribute to facilitating the absorption of EU structural funds, complementing other public sector funding with long-term funds at favorable conditions.

The project will improve the environmental quality in Kosice city. The project is in line with the National Transport Plan approved by the Slovak Government and it is also identified as one of the main priorities of the Kosice City Transport Masterplan of 2016. The Plan has been subject to a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and both documents have been made publicly available. The project falls under Annex II of the Environmental Impact Assessement (EIA) Directive. An EIA screening was done in 2015 and the project was screened out by the competent authority, since no possible negative impacts were foreseen on the environment and the public health. No authority and public concerned requested that the project should follow the full EIA process and therefore the project was screened out. The compliance of the project with environmental legislation was further verified and confirmed during the building permit procedure. The project falls under Annex II of the EIA Directive. The compliance of the project with environmental legislation was further verified and confirmed during the building permit procedure.

The promoter has followed the relevant EU Directive (Directive 2014/25/EU) as transposed into national law and as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU, with the publication of tender notices in the Official Journal of the EU, as and where required. The dates for publishing tenders were 10/10/2014 and 22/12/2015.