Rail freight performance in Slovakia declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, according to data published by AROS, the Association of Railway Undertakings of Slovakia.
The association tracks freight performance in gross tonne-kilometres. Compared with 2021, which recorded 18.60bn gtkm following the main wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2025 volumes were lower by 22.5%.
AROS links the decline to weaker macroeconomic conditions, noting that GDP growth below 2% is typically associated with stagnation across industrial sectors. The downturn in freight rail reflects reduced industrial output and lower transport demand.
The association also points to the need for stronger public support measures at national and EU level to shift cargo from road to rail.
