Bratislava is launching a major modernisation of its tramline in Ruzinov, one of the city’s busiest districts, after its first tender collapsed.
The 1970s-era route is to be rebuilt at a cost of EUR 102 million, mainly funded by EU money, following completion of the Petrzalka extension. The city says the new line will cut travel times, reduce noise and improve green space.
The first tender, worth EUR 95 million, was scrapped when only one company bid – with a price roughly EUR 50 million over budget. Deputy mayor Tatiana Kratochvilova said strict penalties and technical demands had discouraged builders. The rules have now been eased, with bonus points for longer warranties and greener construction.
Three firms are now reported to be interested, with bids under review.
Work will take more than two years in two stages, starting from Astronomicka and ending at Trnavske myto near the city centre. Travel times could drop from 29 to 23 minutes, with trams running faster and more smoothly.
The project follows recent upgrades in Karlova Ves, Dubravka and Petrzalka, as Bratislava continues to modernise its tram network to cut car use and emissions. (The Slovak Spectator)