Slovenia government welcomes EU cohesion funding for Divača-Koper railway line expansion

doubling of the cargo railway capacity will increase the logistics offer of the port and its ability to deliver goods into European markets faster. “The allocation of €80 million cohesion funds to the “Second Track” project is good news for Slovenia. The European Commission is an important partner in this project, as almost a fifth or €250 million European grants are planned in the financial construction of the Second Track project,” said Minister Vrtovec. The Minister of Infrastructure emphasized that the allocation of cohesion funds is intended for the construction of the eighth tunnel and two viaducts, to which is added Slovenia’s mandatory share of €14 million in terms of European funds for the second track, an important stage victory was achieved. “Obtaining cohesion funds was a long and far from simple procedure, but cooperation between the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy and 2TDK led to today’s good news,” said Minister Jernej Vrtovec. “The second track is extremely important for Slovenia, it will help the Slovenian economy to create development and competitive opportunities comparable to neighbouring countries. It is increasingly clear that this, currently the largest infrastructure project, is also an important logistics project that must continue. Only in this way will Slovenia be able to take full advantage of its exceptional geostrategic position, “said Minister of Infrastructure Jernej Vrtovec. About the “Second Track” project The story of the Second track Divača-Koper railway line began over 20 years ago. It has been heavily advocated for ever since. Planning one of Slovenia’s largest projects is a good practice example. The first version of the track was proposed in 1996. After studying 17 different versions, the current tunnel track was chosen according to the highest criteria regarding the environmental impact, safety, speed, and traffic flow. A second track along the Divača-Koper railway line will eliminate traffic congestion on the core Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) corridors in Slovenia-Baltic-Adriatic and the Mediterranean. The Second Track will be a 27.1-kilometre-long new railway line from Divača to Koper, including 8 tunnels, 2 viaducts, 2 bridges and 1 gallery. 20.5 km or 75 % of the line will consist of tunnels. The purpose of the Second track Divača-Koper Provision of modern and efficient railway link between the cargo port of Koper and existing rail network in Slovenia, and consequently the wider European rail network.Ultimate removal of all throughput and transport capacity limitations for railway line from Koper to railway junction in Divača.Increased reliability of Divača-Koper railway line.Increased traffic safety.Shorter travel times.Decreased environmental impact and risk.Additional increased share of total cargo transported by railway.Enabling and increasing the use of environmentally more favorable mode of transport. The project is managed by 2TDK d.o.o. (Project Development Company), a 100% state-owned company, a special purpose entity, established for the development of the Second track Divača-Koper railway line and based in Ljubljana. Copyright (C) PortSEurope. All Rights Reserved. 2020.