Summary sheet
The project consists of the modernisation of about 33 km of rail lines in Slovakia, sections Puchov - Povazska Tepla, Dolni Hricov - Zilina and Vah - Strechno.
The project will improve the speed and quality of rail connections in the main transport corridors of Slovakia between Bratislava – Zilina and Zilina – Kosice and will thereby enhance sustainable transport, in line with EU objectives. The project will deliver domestic and international benefits. Passenger and freight traffic will benefit from the resulting infrastructure immediately upon the project completion. The project is located in a convergence region, and thereby will improve accessibility and potentially facilitate regional development.
The investment falls under Annex II of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2014/52/EU amending the EIA Directive 2011/92/EU, and may therefore require an EIA. Screening decisions, Environmental Impact Assessment and developments consents, as well as, conformity with the requirements of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) will be analysed during the appraisal. A modal shift thanks to increased rail-based mobility can be expected (due to increased speed and capacity), thus also decreasing traffic-related Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, although to a limited extent. The promoter already obtained the environmental permits and Natura 2000 declaration for each section.
The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project are tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation, 2014/25/EU or 2004/17/EC, where applicable, as well as Directive 92/13/EEC or Directive 89/665/EEC] as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU, with publication of tender notices in the EU Official Journal, as and where required. The contracts for the works at sections Puchov – Povazska Tepla and Dolni Hricov – Zilina are already signed. The relevant OJEU links are provided below. Puchov – Povazska Tepla: The works contract: Tender notice - 2015/S 142-260254 Award notice - 2016/S 137-246977 Dolni Hricov – Zilina: The works contract: Tender notice - 2012/S 34-055232 Award notice - 2014/S 001-001081