Slovak Railways Cut Speeds Amid Extreme Heat

Slovakia’s railway infrastructure faced severe heat‑related problems, prompting the national operator Železnice Slovenskej republiky (ŽSR) to impose speed restrictions of up to 80 km/h on several lines. The measures aimed to prevent track deformation and potential accidents as temperatures caused rail expansion and, in some sections, track displacement.

The restrictions led to significant delays, with the REX 1877 service from Bratislava to Nové Zámky running 72 minutes late and the EX 621 TATRAN from Bratislava to Košice delayed by 34 minutes. ŽSR advised passengers to allow extra travel time, stay hydrated and be mindful of vulnerable groups. Further incidents included track buckling on the Brezno‑Halny – Gašparovo and Žarnovica – Nová Baňa sections, as well as a temporary loss of traction‑line support and power outages on other routes. The operator emphasized that such heat‑induced stresses are affecting rail networks across Europe, necessitating temporary speed limits and intensified infrastructure monitoring.