ZSR: Modernisation of Vah-Varin-Strecno Railway Section Completed

Varin, 20 December (TASR) - Rail-infrastructure owner ZSR has completed the modernisation of the Vah-Varin-Strecno railway section that formed part of constructing a Zilina hub, said Transport Ministry State Secretary Denisa Zilakova earlier this week at a press conference attended by ZSR general director Miroslav Garaj and the contractor's representatives, adding that the project worth nearly €90 million was financed through EU funds with support from the Connecting Europe Facility. "This project serves as an important baseline to prepare ensuing development investment in order to further enhance the quality of transport infrastructure, support sustainable mobility and contribute to the long-term development of the territory," said Zilakova. As part of the construction work, which lasted 42 months, the main rail tracks were completely upgraded along the Vah-Varin section, including new rail superstructure and substructure, traction lines, signalling equipment, underpasses, a road overpass, a new bridge over the river and noise barriers. The superstructure of both rail tracks between Vah and Varin has also been modernised to allow speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour. "The modernisation has significantly improved the technical parameters of the track and made it more operationally reliable," said Garaj. ZSR has built two new platforms with an underpass at the Varin stop. Also installed were new shelters, an audiovisual information system and new lighting. An underpass for cyclists has been built in the village of Varin, and the railway bridge over the Varinka River has been reconstructed. jrg/df/ko