The European Investment Bank (EIB) signed a EUR 50m loan agreement with Swietelsky Baugesellschaft, Austria, to finance a EUR 105m research project into the development of innovative track maintenance techniques. The loan is granted from the „InnovFin” budget, a joint financing programme of the EIB and the European Commission focusing on the promotion of research and development activities (R&D) in Europe, part of Horizon 2020, the EU’s EUR 80bn R&D fund for 2014-2020.
Swietelsky is seeking to develop new systems to rehabilitate and maintain tracks on standard and high-speed railway sections more rapidly and at lower costs. In addition, the R&D programme is aimed at further reducing downtime on railways due to maintenance. The research project also encompasses the construction of two prototypes for special rail maintenance equipment. The maintenance of railway tracks is a key factor in determining maximum permissible train speeds and axle loads. Swietelsky will carry out the work in its research centre in Fischamend near Vienna.
Photo: © Swietelsky Baugesellschaft MBH
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