ZSR Introduces Speed Restrictions on Trains Due to High Temperatures

Bratislava, 26 June (TASR) – The state-run rail infrastructure operator ZSR is introducing preventive speed restrictions on trains due to high temperatures with passengers expected to face delays, ZSR's communications and marketing department informed TASR on Friday. The restriction will apply to districts for which a third-level heat warning has been issued. In affected districts, train speeds will be limited to 80 kilometres per hour between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. on such days. "The most significant impact can be expected in the coming days on main corridor lines, particularly on international EuroCity (EC) trains operating on the Budapest-Prague route and on train connections between Bratislava and Zilina. The extent of delays will depend on the areas for which the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute issues level 3 warnings, as well as the current operational situation," said ZSR. The measure has been introduced due to the impact of high temperatures on railway tracks. Extreme heat can cause them to expand and, in extreme cases, even derail. "To mitigate these risks, ZSR regularly carries out inspections, monitors high-risk sections of the track and, depending on current meteorological conditions, introduces preventive speed restrictions," said ZSR. ko/mcs