Bratislava’s most modern depot – Krasňany – is again dispatching trams and electric buses after reconstruction

Modernisation of the Krasňany Depot means entering into a new era for Bratislava’s tram transport. Just as a generational replacement of the vehicle fleet is taking place, the technical infrastructure needed for its maintenance is also changing. After the reconstruction, the depot is now equipped with new technology that enables servicing of the entire tram portfolio, including the latest low-floor vehicles. In addition, depot maintenance is now more efficient thanks to modern control of vehicle movements. Greater capacity, faster maintenance and ecological solutions all contribute to more reliable operation and better conditions for colleagues in the depot who care for the vehicles on a daily basis. The DPB from the Krasňany Depot readies trams for lines 3 and 9 as well as all electric buses.

A major innovation of the modernised depot is a new wastewater treatment plant connected to the tram and electric bus washing line which enables the recycling of used water, thereby significantly reducing its consumption. The parking of trams will be notably easier thanks to the automated positioning of the railway line into the extended depot halls or onto the new bypass tracks. The modified internal maintenance layout is also prepared for trams up to 50 metres in length. The spaces reserved for maintenance and the layover of electric buses have also been renovated and include charging stations offering both fast and slow charging.

Said the State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Denisa Žiláková:

“The modern Krasňany Depot is a prime example of how EU funds can improve the functioning of public transport in practice. This investment in the technical infrastructure of the Bratislava Transport Company will contribute to more reliable and higher-quality services for passengers, as well as better working conditions for employees. The Ministry of Transport considers public mass transit to be the key to the sustainable future of our capital and largest city. This is why we are also financing the construction of a tram line in Petržalka, the purchase of trams and the planned modernisation of the Ružinov radial from EU funds."

Said Alžbeta Ožvaldová, Vice-Chairperson of the Bratislava Self-Governing Region:

“The Krasňany depot was built in the early 1970s and has gradually ceased meeting the demands of modern public transport. This could be felt in the obsolescence of both the buildings and the technical equipment. Reconstruction has altered the area beyond recognition, bringing energy savings, improved vehicle maintenance and an improved working environment. Thanks to the comprehensive reconstruction, the Krasňany depot is now a top depot in Slovakia, as well as in Central Europe. I’m pleased that Bratislava and the Bratislava Region have modern facilities that will contribute to higher reliability of tram and bus transport and ultimately to better passenger comfort."

The modernised Krasňany Depot in numbers: • A completely new track with a length of 4,200 m was built in the depot grounds. • The correct directing of trams will be ensured by 56 custom-made switches. • The vehicles will be parked in the extended and expanded halls with a total area of 15,000 m2. • The steel roof structure weighs 740 t.

Said the mayor of the capital, Matúš Vallo:

“Just days ago, we launched the Petržalka tram, which is extremely important for our city, particularly for the people of Petržalka. This is not the only major transport project underway in the city, however. In addition to new lines, stops and vehicles, which we have recently been successfully replacing on a massive scale, high-quality and well-equipped facilities for vehicle maintenance are also important for high-quality public transport. Depots, where vehicles are not only parked but also undergo regular inspections, repairs and cleaning, serve this purpose. This is why I’m greatly pleased that the transport company has managed to completely transform this recently outdated depot in Krasňany. After a huge investment, it has reached a high standard and provides significantly better conditions not only for the maintenance of trams and electric buses, but also for the work of our employees, who make our Bratislava better through public transport."

Added Martin Rybanský, Chair of the Board of Directors of DPB:

“The modernised Krasňany Depot is an example of what the infrastructure of urban public transport in the 21st century looks like. Thanks to the comprehensive reconstruction, we are able to service the entire portfolio of trams here while also providing infrastructure for all electric buses. Modern technologies and ecological solutions will save us up to 42% of operating costs over 30 years. This is not only an investment in infrastructure, but mainly in our colleagues, who have gained decent working conditions. I’m proud that this project was successfully implemented, and I want to thank all colleagues and partners who shared in it. I believe that this beneficial cooperation will continue in other joint projects."

An important part of the project was the measures taken to reduce the environmental burden: • The green roofs of all halls are planted with 8 seedlings per m2. • Rainwater is collected in infiltration boxes, which helps the natural water cycle. • The ecological washing line uses its own wastewater treatment plant. • The energy efficiency of the buildings is ensured by LED lighting, sandwich panels, insulating triple glazing and infrared heaters.

Modernisation of the Krasňany depot was financed from EU funds through a non-refundable financial contribution from the Integrated Infrastructure Operational Programme and the Slovakia Programme under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport of the Slovak Republic.