Hitachi Rail supports dual-track expansion in Slovenia with modern rail signalling

• Hitachi Rail will equip a second track between Koper and Divača with its ETCS Level 1 trackside solution and upgrade the existing signalling solutions at Koper freight station.
• Solution will improve rail traffic on Slovenia's primary railway network and strengthen freight traffic towards Hungary.
• As a pioneer in Slovenia, Hitachi Rail proudly continues to support the enhancement of rail traffic through this double-track project with modern, digital rail control.

Hitachi Rail has, with its Slovenian long-term partner GH Holding, d.o.o. Ljubljana, been awarded a contract to enhance capacity on a key line on Slovenia’s rail network with its modern, digital signalling solutions. By installing its European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 trackside solution on an additional 27 km stretch of line, and updating the existing electronic interlocking system and the Centralized Traffic Control (CTC), a greater number of trains will be able to run safely on the new dual line.

The existing 50 km line between Koper and Divača is a crucial part of Slovenia's primary railway network, linking Koper's port in the west with Hungary in the east as part of the railway Corridor D. As Koper port is a vital hub, particularly for the automotive industry towards Hungary, upgrading the route from a single to a double track will greatly enhance the line’s capacity, significantly increasing the share of freight transport by rail. Passengers will also benefit from more reliable and frequent train services, enhancing their overall experience.

Hitachi Rail has already equipped the existing single-track line between Koper and Divača with ETCS Level 1 trackside solutions, electronic interlocking solutions including a CTC and a modern dispatching system, called ARAMIS Module D, with the project completed in 2015. In collaboration with its longstanding local construction partner, GH Holding, d.o.o. Ljubljana, Hitachi Rail will now work on upgrading the line’s rail signalling on behalf of project development company 2TDK d.o.o.

Hitachi Rail has a history of pioneering digital signalling in Slovenia, being the first to implement ETCS in the country in 2012. Across a series of projects, the entire Slovenian part of Corridor D, incorporating more than 300 km of track length, has been equipped with ETCS Level 1 trackside solutions by Hitachi Rail. The latest project, which is currently being finalised, also contains a service level agreement securing the high-quality maintenance of the installed system for up to 20 years. After completion of this project, ETCS Level 1 will be implemented on the complete Slovenian part of the European TEN-T rail network by Hitachi Rail in cooperation with GH Holding d.o.o Ljubljana. In addition to ETCS, Hitachi Rail’s point machines, axle counters and signals enhance parts of the Slovenian rail infrastructure.

Hannes BOYER, VP Main Line Signalling, Hitachi Rail, said: “We are delighted to continue to contribute to the modernisation of Slovenia's primary rail routes. Our modern, digital signalling on the second track will help to eliminate bottlenecks on this essential rail connection, enhancing seamless and sustainable transportation for both passengers and freight."

On 24-27 September, Hitachi Rail will exhibit a range of its digital signalling solutions at the global rail exhibition, InnoTrans in Berlin.

ENDS

For more information please contact Ruth Boyer on ruth.boyer@urbanandmainlines.com and +43 664 1819385 or for international enquiries please contact Ed Brown on Ed.Brown@hitachirail.com and +447850 071287

Notes to Editor

On 31 May 2024, Hitachi Rail completed the acquisition of Thales’ Ground Transportation Systems business (GTS). With revenues of over €7bn and 24,000 employees across more than 50 countries, the new Hitachi Rail is able to offer an enhanced product and technology portfolio to its customers around the world.

About GH Holding, d.o.o.

GH Holding is one of Slovenia’s largest construction companies that offers its clients comprehensive project solutions, from outlines and engineering designs to the implementation and maintenance stages. The many years of experience and vast knowledge from the fields of construction engineering, transport infrastructure, medical engineering, environment and energy are also incorporated in GH Holding’s own investment projects – the construction and sales of luxury residential units. The various projects it carries out integrate modern, state-of-the-art solutions implemented at the highest level of professional expertise. The Company builds its reputation on reliable and sustainable solutions for its clients and partners.

In this increasingly dynamic world, good connections are a key to success. Be it road, rail or telecommunications infrastructure, GH Holding’s executive engineering paves the way for bold ideas and breakthrough solutions.

With revenues of over € 700 mio in the last of 10 years and more than 50 employees in a different country, GH Holding is a trusted partner with the innovative knowledge and plenty of experience especially on railway and transport sector. The company's reach is also medicine equipment for hospitals and health centers, waters and waste engineering, with success built on developing local talent and investing in people and communities. 

For more information, visit www.gh-holding.si