SLOVAKIA: National passenger operator ZSSK has called separate tenders for the supply of multi-voltage electric locomotives and coaches.
Six four-axle 6·0 MW electric locomotives with a maximum speed of 200 km/h are required to replace ageing Škoda Class 350 locomotives on EC and IC services on the Praha – Bratislava – Budapest and Bratislava – Žilina – Košice routes. These must be suitable for use with 3 kV DC, 15 kV 16·7 Hz and 25 kV 50 Hz electrification, and equipped for operation in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany and Hungary. The value of the contract is estimated at €72m, with delivery required within 60 months of contract signing. There would also be an option for up to 10 more locomotives.
The second tender covers the supply next year of 17 coaches for suburban services around Bratislava. The 26·4 m long open saloon second class coaches are required to be suitable for 160 km/h running, with air-conditioning and bicycle spaces. The estimated €31·3m cost of the coach order would be co-financed by the EU.
- ZSSK has awarded sole bidder Wagon Slovakia Košice a €15·4m contract to provide onboard services on its restaurant, bistro, couchette and sleeping cars for a further four years.
