Slovak national railway operator Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK) has placed an order for six additional four-car Panter electric trainsets from Škoda Group.
The original agreement covered nine trainsets, with ZSSK exercising part of the option in 2022 to procure five more units. The latest order completes the option for additional trainsets, bringing the total number ordered under the agreement to 20.
The cost of the newly ordered six units reflects a price adjustment compared to the original contract terms. The increase, nearly 15%, is attributed to measures implemented by Slovakia’s Ministry of Transport. These allow for adjustments due to material cost increases linked to global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions.
Delivery of the units is scheduled in stages, with five trainsets expected by the end of March 2026 and the final unit by mid-May 2026. Funding for the procurement will be sourced from ZSSK’s budget and Slovakia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan.
The Panter units are part of ZSSK's efforts to modernize its electric fleet and enhance regional connectivity. Further updates on the fleet’s deployment will be shared closer to the delivery dates.
