Hitachi Rail to Support Expansion in Slovenia

In Slovenia, Hitachi Rail is outfitting a newly constructed second track between Koper and Divača with its state-of-the-art ETCS Level 1 trackside technology. Additionally, the company is enhancing the existing signalling infrastructure at the Koper freight station.

This initiative will significantly enhance rail traffic on one of Slovenia’s key rail corridors, boosting freight connections to Hungary. As a major contributor to the modernisation of Slovenia’s rail network, Hitachi Rail, in partnership with long-term collaborator GH Holding, d.o.o. Ljubljana, has secured a contract to expand the capacity of this vital line.

Hannes BOYER, VP of Main Line Signalling at Hitachi Rail, stated, “We are proud to continue our contribution to the modernisation of Slovenia’s primary rail routes. Our modern digital signalling on the second track will help eliminate bottlenecks on this crucial rail link, enhancing both passenger and freight transport in a sustainable and seamless manner.”

As part of this contract, Hitachi Rail will deploy the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 across an additional 27-kilometer section of track and upgrade the electronic interlocking system and Centralised Traffic Control (CTC). This dual-track project will increase the number of trains that can operate safely and efficiently.

The 50-kilometer Koper-Divača line is a key part of Slovenia’s main railway network, linking the vital Koper port on the west to Hungary in the east, forming part of the European rail Corridor D. Koper port is especially crucial for Hungary’s automotive industry, and the new double-track configuration will greatly enhance the line’s capacity.

Beyond freight, passengers on this modernised route will also benefit from more frequent and reliable services.