Slovenia's new second track Divača-Koper rail link boosts capacity and sustainability

The construction of a new railway track between Divača and Koper is transforming one of Slovenia's most important transport corridors. Supported by CEF Transport, this flagship project will significantly improve rail connectivity between the Port of Koper and its European hinterland, strengthening a key section of the TEN-T Core Network and supporting more sustainable freight transport across Europe.

Removing a major bottleneck on the TEN-T network

The existing Divača–Koper railway line serves as the main rail connection between the Port of Koper and inland markets. As freight volumes continued to grow, the single-track line became a major bottleneck, limiting capacity and affecting operational reliability.

To address this challenge, Slovenia launched the construction of a new second track designed to meet modern European rail standards. Once operational, the line will offer enhanced performance through improved infrastructure, full electrification, upgraded signalling systems, and increased capacity for both freight and passenger transport.

The project forms part of a wider effort to strengthen the role of rail transport in connecting the Adriatic region with the rest of Europe while supporting the EU's climate and mobility objectives.

Complex infrastructure delivered through multiple EU-funded projects

The Divača–Koper project has been implemented through a series of complementary EU-funded projects covering planning, preparatory works, civil engineering and the installation of railway systems.

EU support contributed to:

• Preparatory studies.
• Surveys, executive design and preparatory works.
• Construction of access roads and major engineering structures.
• Construction of connections to the existing line.
• Excavation and construction of seven railway tunnels.
• Installation of railway superstructure, power supply, telecommunications and tunnel safety systems.
• Deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) on the new line.

The project has continued to advance and is now entering its final implementation phase.

Faster journeys and greater capacity

The new rail link will deliver substantial operational benefits. The route length between Divača and Koper will be reduced from 44.3 kilometres to 27 kilometres, while maximum train speeds will increase from approximately 75 km/h to up to 160 km/h for passenger services and 100 km/h for freight trains. As a result, travel times will be cut from 43–48 minutes to just 15–21 minutes.

The project will also more than double the line's capacity, increasing the number of trains that can use the corridor from approximately 90 trains per day to around 220 trains per day. This additional capacity is essential for supporting the continued growth of the Port of Koper and facilitating the movement of goods between the Adriatic Sea and European markets.

Supporting sustainable growth and European connectivity

By improving the efficiency, reliability and capacity of rail freight transport, the Divača–Koper project will encourage a shift from road to rail and contribute to reducing transport-related emissions.

The new line will strengthen the competitiveness of the Port of Koper, improve connections between Slovenia and neighbouring countries, and enhance the resilience of the European transport network.

As one of the largest rail infrastructure projects in Slovenia's history, the new Divača–Koper railway demonstrates how EU investment can help remove strategic bottlenecks, promote sustainable mobility and strengthen connections across Europe.