Cizekporok–Bystrica railway

Cizekporok–Bystrica
Overview
Termini	Cizekporok Bystrica
Operation
Owner	KHZ
Technical
Line length	1,132.6 km (703.8 mi)
Number of tracks	1
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Electrification	25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead catenary
Maximum incline	1.5%
Route map Cizekporok–Bystrica railway line Bystrica hlavní nádraží Bystrica–Benkovice Railway Line to Benkovice Banksa Bystrica nádraží Bystra nádraží Covekfalva Milochov Saint Sabas Popudiny-Saint Sabas Railway to Popudiny Vydrna Tiszolcz Livinia Pégrád Revé Pryvimazna Budakacsa Prozavou High Speed Railway 1 to Jalovec Scotland England King Daniel II International Airport Railway Station Daravada Cizekporok–Jalovec Railway Line to Jalovec Balház Cizekporok–Pila Railway Line to Pila Cizekporok–Nolcovo Railway Line to Nolcovo Cizekporok hlavní nádraží

The Cizekporok–Bystrica railway line is one of the major railway lines in Holynia. The line connects Cizekporok, the Holyn capital city, with Bystrica, the country's second-largest city. Operated by Kráľovské Holynské Železnice (KHŽ), this line is a critical part of Holynia's transportation infrastructure, facilitating both passenger and freight traffic across the country. The route largely follows the Obrec plains, providing a high-speed corridor with sections that reach speeds of up to 225 km/h, though the majority of the line operates at 200 km/h. The line was originally built by the Cizekporok and Bystrica Railway in 1858, largely a culmination of multiple shorter lines. As one of the busiest railways in Holynia, the Cizekporok–Bystrica line is integral to both domestic mobility and regional connectivity.

History

The Cizekporok–Bystrica railway line was first conceived in the late 19th century as part of Holynia's ambitious plans to expand its rail infrastructure. Prior to its construction, the region was served by a network of older, slower tracks, and the valley between Cizekporok and Bystrica was only sparsely connected by local trains. The initial proposal for the line came from Václav Novotný, chief engineer of the Cizekporok and Bystrica Railway Company, who envisioned a high frequency rail corridor linking Holynia’s capital with the country’s second-largest city.

Initial steps were taken in the late 1840s, building short connections between numerous shorter lines. Following the signing of the Holynian Transport Development Act in 1870, the oldest segment of the line was completed on 19 March 1858, connecting Cizekporok with the nearby town of Vysoké Polé. On 2 June 1959, the section connecting Vysoké Polé to St. Sabas was opened.

By 1861, the line had reached Bystrica, though it remained a more modestly developed route, with slower trains traveling at speeds of no more than 70 km/h. It was not until the 1920s, under the direction of the newly established Holynian State Railways (HSŽ), that serious upgrades were made to the line, expanding its reach and increasing its capacity to handle the growing demand for passenger and freight services.

Communist Era Expansion

During the Communist era, which began in Holynia in 1927, the government prioritized heavy industry and national infrastructure projects. As part of these efforts, the Cizekporok–Bystrica line underwent significant expansion and modernization to support the country's industrial growth. In 1942, the line was electrified with a 20 kV 50 Hz AC system overhead system, a technological leap that increased the line's efficiency and capacity, allowing for faster and more reliable trains. The decision to implement the 25 kV AC system was heavily influenced by the success of similar systems on other lines in Holynia. This high-voltage alternating current (AC) system was chosen for its efficiency over longer distances and its compatibility with Holynia's mountainous terrain, where steep gradients were common.

One of the most significant developments during this period was the construction of high-speed segments between Lužní and Kostelné, which allowed trains to reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, a remarkable feat at the time. The introduction of fast Class 06 trains in the early 1970s further boosted the line’s efficiency, providing faster service and reducing travel times between Cizekporok and Bystrica by nearly 40%.

In the 1980s, the line was fully integrated into the broader Central Spero high-speed rail network, and further electrification work was carried out to extend the 25 kV AC system to the remaining sections of the line. During this time, the Cizekporok Central Station was also expanded and modernized, becoming a major hub for both domestic and international trains.

Post-Communist Developments and Current Era

Following the dissolution of the Central Bloc in the late 1990s, Holynia's rail infrastructure underwent a period of privatization and modernization. In 2001, the state-owned Holyn State Railways was split into various regional operators, and the Cizekporok–Bystrica line came under the management of Kráľovské Holynské Železnice (KHŽ), a new entity tasked with overseeing the country’s major rail corridors. Under KHŽ's stewardship, the line underwent a comprehensive modernization program designed to bring it in line with Western Spero standards.

In the early 2000s, KHŽ invested heavily in upgrading the Cizekporok–Bystrica line’s track infrastructure. With a focus on improving high-speed capabilities, several stretches of the line were upgraded to accommodate speeds of 200 km/h, while the most crucial sections, including the Kostelné Valley, were reinforced to support speeds of up to 225 km/h. This allowed the Cizekporok–Bystrica line to become one of the fastest railways in the region.

The line's continued modernization in the 2010s included the installation of electronic signaling systems, automatic ticketing technology, and improved station facilities. The introduction of high-speed trains, including the Class 435 and Class 517, which could reach speeds of 240 km/h on certain sections, further cemented the line’s role as a major artery for both domestic and international travelers.

In recent years, the Holyn government has continued to prioritize rail infrastructure, with a focus on environmental sustainability and reducing road traffic congestion. As a part of these efforts, the Cizekporok–Bystrica line has been connected to the new Northwest High-Speed Rail Corridor, which links Cizekporok to Pohorela and other major cities in northwestern Holynia. Additionally, the expansion of freight services has made the line a vital part of Holynia’s economic activity, especially for the transport of industrial goods, raw materials, and agricultural products.

Infratsructure

A Class 453 locomotive hauling an InterCity Express train across one of the bridges north of St. Sabas. These bridges present the largest bottleneck on the Cizekporok-Bystrica railway.

The line’s 25 kV AC overhead line system remains one of its defining features. Electrification was essential not only for increasing efficiency but also for reducing the environmental impact of rail transport. The adoption of this system allowed for more powerful locomotives capable of handling the steep gradients and challenging terrain in the central and southern regions of Holynia. The system's introduction also aligned the Cizekporok–Bystrica line with the broader European standard, ensuring compatibility with trains from neighboring countries.

Over time, the 25 kV AC system has been continuously upgraded, with advanced dynamic braking systems and regenerative energy recovery technologies being implemented on newer trains. These improvements have helped to reduce energy consumption, making the line more sustainable in the long term. As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, KHŽ has also been involved in projects to further reduce emissions and implement green technologies, such as the development of solar-powered train stations and hybrid locomotives.

Current Operations

Today, the Cizekporok–Bystrica line is one of the busiest and most technologically advanced rail corridors in Holynia. It serves millions of passengers annually, with high-speed trains connecting Cizekporok to Bystrica in less than four hours, a significant reduction from the early days when the journey could take upwards of seven hours. The line continues to be a crucial part of Holynia's national transport network, with trains operating at speeds of up to 225 km/h on select segments and offering frequent service throughout the day.

In addition to passenger services, the line also plays a pivotal role in freight transport, with dedicated cargo trains carrying a variety of goods across the country and into neighboring states. Recent investments have focused on upgrading the Kostelné Tunnel, a major bottleneck on the line, to accommodate even larger freight trains and improve overall traffic flow.