Railways publish the final ground-level solution variant for Filiálka in Bratislava

Slovak Railways (ŽSR) has unveiled a significant development in Bratislava's transportation infrastructure: the finalized feasibility study for a ground-level solution at the Filiálka station. As reported by SME, this project is deemed essential for addressing the growing strain on the capacity of Bratislava's main railway station.

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The Filiálka project is key to solving problems with the growing pressure on the main station's transport capacity. Thanks to this study, there is an opportunity to solve the issue of the Bratislava hub meaningfully.

The proposed solution, variant 1B, which includes bridges over Riazanská and Jarošova streets, comes with an estimated investment cost of around 129 million euros. This figure, derived from a cost-benefit analysis, excludes potential development revenues. The realization of this ambitious project hinges on the availability of financial resources and aligns with the strategic priorities of the Ministry of Transport.

ŽSR emphasizes that the completion of Filiálka is a prerequisite for the reconstruction of the main station, with a target deadline of 2036. Miroslav Garaj, Director General of ŽSR, described the Filiálka project as "key to solving problems with the growing pressure on the main station's transport capacity." The study meticulously examined various technical alternatives, considering current operational conditions and future plans for high-speed rail.

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For railway freight transport in the east-west direction, there is only a single route, through the main station and Lamač, which is essentially a mountain pass. The existence of ŽST Filiálka would allow some passenger transport lines to be rerouted here, which would help relieve the overloaded main station.

From our perspective at SME, the Filiálka project represents more than just an expansion; it's a strategic move to optimize Bratislava's entire rail network. The new station could significantly ease the burden on the main station, particularly for freight traffic, which currently relies on a single, challenging route. Furthermore, Filiálka offers the potential to serve as a backup during the main station's reconstruction and could better handle peak-hour passenger traffic due to its advantageous location and accessibility. The development also presents an opportunity to integrate the station with commercial and residential spaces, transforming the Trnavské mýto area.

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Thirdly, it creates a new opportunity to adapt the station's surroundings in connection with the development of the area in the Trnavské mýto locality. This includes services or time spent for passengers' needs, as well as creating opportunities to combine the train station with retail, housing, and offices in an extension above and around the tracks on a generously sized and attractively located plot owned by a single owner.