Construction work to upgrade Ljubljana railway station officially commenced today with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, marking the beginning of a major infrastructure project for Slovenia. Prime Minister Robert Golob emphasized the project’s importance, not just for the country, but for its connection to key European railway corridors.
“This project is significant not only for Ljubljana or Slovenia but for all of Europe as it sits on one of the most vital European railway networks,” said Golob. He added that the successful completion of this project will further establish Slovenia as a symbol of success on the European railway map.
A European-Backed Investment for Green Mobility
The project, funded in part by more than €180 million from the European Union’s recovery and resilience mechanism, is designed to modernize the station into a central multimodal hub with a state-of-the-art terminal. The upgrade includes the construction of six new platforms, improved accessibility for people with reduced mobility, and a new overpass connecting different parts of the city.
Slovenian Minister of Infrastructure Alenka Bratušek stressed the importance of the investment from both a transportation and environmental standpoint. “This station will serve as a vital link within the pan-European transport network, supporting approximately 450 trains per day," she said, adding that the modernization is crucial to promoting sustainable mobility, a key element in the country's climate neutrality efforts.
A Game-Changer for Ljubljana and Beyond
The head of the European Commission's office in Slovenia, Jerneja Jug Jerše, also emphasized the project’s significance, noting that it is the largest initiative co-financed by the EU’s recovery and resilience fund in Slovenia. “This is part of Europe’s broader transportation infrastructure development aimed at facilitating and speeding up public transport while supporting the green transition,” she remarked.
The modernization is expected to transform Ljubljana's transport capabilities and foster greater connectivity within Europe. The works, set to last 22 months, include enhancements to the station’s signaling, telecommunications, and electric power systems, alongside the construction of a new bus terminal.
The total cost of the project stands at €243.9 million, with a consortium of local companies tasked with its completion. With Slovenia positioning itself on the European railway map, this project will be pivotal for both the country’s infrastructure and its role in the green transition.
