sep 9, 2025 - (SLOVAKIA) Slovak Railways orders two more double-decker electric Stadler KISS trains

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Slovak Railways (ZSSK) has exercised an option from its April 2025 contract with Stadler to purchase two additional double-deck KISS electric trains.

The new high-capacity units are expected to enter service on the busy Bratislava–Žilina main line during the 2026/2027 timetable, bringing the total order to four trains. The project is valued at around €100 million and is financed primarily through European funding under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).

The order follows ZSSK’s initial procurement of two double-deck units earlier this year, strengthening its strategy to modernise its passenger fleet with more sustainable, efficient rolling stock. Stadler’s KISS units are already proving successful on the Bratislava–Nové Zámky and Bratislava–Trenčín/Púchov lines, where they have delivered strong reliability and high passenger satisfaction for more than a year.

Denisa Žiláková, state secretary of the Ministry of Transport of the Slovak Republic, said the expansion underlines the country’s ambition for modern, green mobility: “I am delighted that the Stadler KISS modern electric unit project has been successfully expanded with an option – this is clear proof that the modernization of passenger rail transport is an integral part of our vision of dynamic, environmentally friendly, and integrated mobility that is ready for future challenges. Funding from the Recovery and Resilience Plan is an important tool that brings European resources directly into the daily lives of the public.”

The new KISS units will each provide at least 611 seats, including 29 folding seats, with a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h. Their design emphasises energy efficiency, while low-floor access ensures easier boarding for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility. Onboard amenities will include modern information systems, digital displays, and audio announcements to enhance travel comfort and orientation.

Peter Helexa, CEO of ZSSK, highlighted the importance of the investment for the national carrier’s sustainability strategy: “The renewal of the vehicle fleet is one of the main pillars of our strategy, and the expansion of the project with additional Stadler KISS units is a significant milestone. The new high-capacity electric units will increase passenger comfort and satisfaction while reducing energy consumption and emissions. These modern trains are a symbol of the ecological and sustainable rail transport of the future.”

Design work for the new trains will be carried out by Stadler Praha, which employs over 250 engineers and designers, while final production will take place at Stadler’s Siedlce plant in Poland.

Zdeněk Majer, chairman of the Supervisory Board at Stadler Praha, said the contract reflects a clear strategic direction: “The investment in modern trains confirms the clear strategy of ZSSK and the Slovak Ministry of Transport to transform the Slovak railway into a modern transport system. We are delighted that the new units for Slovakia’s national carrier are being designed and the project is managed at Stadler Praha.”

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