The central part of Ljubljana’s main railway station has been temporarily closed again as work continues on its major renovation. The closure, which marks the final phase before full normalization, will last until the end of August, after which all passenger services will return to the main platforms. This follows earlier partial closures that began in July, during which some temporary platforms were dismantled while others remained in use. Despite these efforts, disruptions remain, with additional delays expected due to ongoing infrastructure maintenance and construction activities. On August 10, the central platform area was partially reopened, but access to certain sections was still restricted. Trains heading toward the east, including those traveling through the regions of Styria, Carinthia, and the Drava Valley, will continue using temporary platforms located at the intersection of Masarykova Street and Njegoševa Street until late August. For passengers traveling to the eastern parts of Slovenia, such as the region around Maribor, there will be no changes to their routes. However, for those passing through Ljubljana and continuing towards Jesenice or Divačka Gora, an alternative bus service will operate immediately after exiting trains at the temporary platforms along Masarykova Street. In addition to the ongoing work on the main station, extensive track maintenance projects have caused further disruptions. From August 10 to 22, the Kamniška Proga will be completely closed to rail traffic, requiring all trains to use alternative bus services. Similarly, from August 10 to 30, parts of the Dolenjska Proga will be under repair, affecting several key routes. On August 10 and 11, the section between Ljubljana and Škofljica will be closed, followed by the segment between Ljubljana and Ljubljana Rakovnik from August 12 to 30. In both cases, buses will replace train services to ensure continued connectivity. These closures have led to increased reliance on public transportation alternatives, particularly buses, to maintain mobility for passengers affected by the disruptions. While the temporary platforms at Masarykova and Njegoševa streets were scheduled to be removed by mid-August, the ongoing repairs on the Dolenjska Proga mean that trains from the east will not reach the main platforms until the end of the month. This delay underscores the complexity of coordinating large-scale infrastructure upgrades within a heavily used urban transport hub. The project to modernize Ljubljana’s main railway station, one of the largest infrastructure investments in Slovenia, has faced repeated delays. Originally planned to be completed by July 2025, the timeline was extended multiple times due to challenges related to historical preservation, regulatory approvals, and financial restructuring. The total cost of the project, including taxes, is estimated at 243.9 million euros. Initially funded through the European Union's recovery mechanism following the coronavirus crisis, the funding source was later shifted to the Cohesion Fund for the period 2021–2027. Despite these setbacks, officials have confirmed that full normal operations will resume by the end of August. All passenger services that have been rerouted through temporary platforms will gradually return to the main station. This includes international trains connecting to the River Reka, as well as local services operating between Ljubljana Zalog and Borovnica. The phased reopening aims to minimize disruption while ensuring safety and compliance with strict construction standards. As the final stages of the renovation near completion, the focus remains on restoring regular rail services and ensuring seamless travel for commuters. With the main platforms set to fully reopen by early September, the city prepares for a renewed era of efficient and accessible public transport. Until then, travelers should plan ahead and consider alternative modes of transit to navigate the current operational constraints.
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