Slovenian Railways Invests €97.7M in Siemens and Magyar Vagon Fleet to Boost International Routes

LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA – Slovenia’s national rail operator, SŽ Potniški promet, has finalized a landmark €97.7 million investment in new passenger rolling stock, signing contracts with Siemens Mobility and Magyar Vagon for state-of-the-art locomotives and carriages. This strategic acquisition is a cornerstone of Slovenia’s plan to become a key transit hub for international rail travel, directly connecting Southeastern Europe with major Western and Northern European networks.

Slovenian Railways (SŽ) has formally committed to a significant fleet modernization program by signing two pivotal contracts aimed at enhancing the quality, speed, and competitiveness of its passenger services. The total €97.7 million procurement is partially backed by Slovenia’s Climate Change Fund, which is providing €43.9 million, covering nearly half of the investment’s net value. The initiative underscores a national strategy to promote rail as a sustainable transport alternative.

The larger of the two contracts, valued at €71.85 million, was awarded to Hungarian manufacturer Magyar Vagon for the delivery of 20 passenger carriages. These units, capable of speeds up to 200 km/h, include 15 classic seating carriages and five multifunctional carriages designed to elevate the passenger experience. The multifunctional units will feature a bistro area, an information point, and dedicated spaces for 12 bicycles and three passengers with reduced mobility. All carriages will be equipped with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, a passenger information system, power outlets with USB-A/C ports, and a real-time seat occupancy display system. The new fleet will be fully accessible for visually and hearing-impaired passengers.

The second contract, worth €25.8 million, was signed with Siemens Mobility for four Vectron multi-system electric locomotives. These highly versatile engines are a strategic choice, equipped with ETCS and certified for operation across the railway networks of eight countries: Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Italy. This interoperability will allow for seamless, high-speed (up to 200 km/h) international journeys without time-consuming locomotive changes at borders, drastically improving efficiency and service reliability on key European corridors.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced International Connectivity: The new fleet will enable direct, high-speed services across eight European countries, positioning Slovenia as a crucial link between Southeastern and Western Europe.
• Major Passenger Experience Upgrade: Modern carriages with bistro areas, full accessibility, Wi-Fi, and real-time information systems will significantly improve comfort and convenience for domestic and international travelers.
• Strategic Government Support: With nearly 50% of the net investment funded by the national Climate Change Fund, the project reflects Slovenia’s strong political commitment to modernizing its rail infrastructure and promoting sustainable transport.

Editor’s Analysis

This €97.7 million investment by Slovenian Railways is more than a simple fleet renewal; it is a calculated geopolitical move to leverage Slovenia’s strategic location. By procuring Siemens’ proven, multi-system Vectron locomotives, SŽ is buying into a platform that guarantees interoperability across the continent, directly challenging the logistical hurdles that have historically fragmented European rail. The decision to partner with Magyar Vagon for carriages also signals a strengthening of regional industrial ties within Central Europe. For the global market, this deal demonstrates how smaller national operators can effectively compete on major international routes by making targeted investments in flexible, high-speed technology, ultimately aiming to capture a larger share of the lucrative transit traffic flowing across Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What new rolling stock is Slovenian Railways purchasing?

SŽ Potniški promet is purchasing four Siemens Vectron multi-system electric locomotives and 20 passenger carriages from Magyar Vagon, including five multifunctional units with enhanced accessibility and passenger amenities.

How will this investment improve international train travel?

The new locomotives are certified for operation in eight countries, eliminating the need for locomotive changes at borders. Combined with a top speed of 200 km/h, this will result in faster, more reliable, and seamless cross-border connections between Slovenia and key European nations like Germany, Austria, and Italy.

When will the new trains enter service?

The four Siemens Vectron locomotives are scheduled for delivery in April-May 2027, while the 20 Magyar Vagon carriages are expected to enter operation in the second half of 2028.