Slovakia: Stadler to Supply Two Additional KISS Electric Trains to ZSSK

Slovak Railways (ZSSK) has announced the order of a further two high-capacity KISS electric trains from Stadler, exercising an option from an existing contract signed in April 2025.

The new trains are expected to enter service along the Bratislava – Žilina main line during the 2026/27 timetable, and will be financed with funds sourced primarily from Europe through the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).

ZSSK initially ordered two double-decker trains in April, with the new order bringing the total value for the project to roughly 100 million EUR.

Denisa Žiláková, State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport of the Slovak Republik, said:

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 KISS electric trains will be equipped with modern information systems in order to improve passenger orientation and comfort, and will be capable of carrying up to 611 seated passengers (582 first and second class seats with 29 folding seats) at speeds of up to 160 km/h.

The new units will be designed at Stadler Praha, with production set to take place at the Stadler Polska plant in Siedlce.

Peter Helexa, CEO of ZSSK, said:

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. We are already gradually adding new modern units and locomotives, making our fleet one of the youngest in Europe. 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.