The new design concept of Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK), inspired by the five dominant mountains of Slovakia, already adorns the first two locomotives from the five we are supplying to the national carrier. The first was Siemens Vectron 193 131 with the Kriváň motif, followed by the second locomotive 193 132 with the Lomnický štít visual.
Inspired by Slovak peaks
The new design language presented to the public by ZSSK carries symbolic weight. The five new decals draw inspiration from five prominent Slovak mountains – Kriváň, Lomnický štít, Gerlachovský štít, Vršatec, and Veľký Rozsutec.
Kriváň adorns the sides of locomotive 193 131, making it a visual carrier of national identity in motion. The colorful sticker is complemented by wavy lines that evoke the dynamics of the landscape and the smooth rhythm of rail transport.
With this new design, ZSSK is continuing its campaign from last year, "We keep Slovakia moving," which emphasizes the dynamism, reliability, and environmental sustainability of rail transport. The slogan also highlights the important role of all ZSSK employees who ensure the country's mobility on a daily basis.
Design with a strategic goal
The stickers are part of ZSSK's efforts to build a strong and consistent brand. The visual style is a thoughtful combination of aesthetics and identity, built on the four main pillars of the brand: modern trains, modern services, a stable employer, and financial stability.
The design was created as a professional solution – the design is based on licensed graphic sources, which were then modified and refined by a design agency. This is a common but effective practice in the field of public design. The production and application of stickers is included in our lease agreement.
The second locomotive already has the new visual, the third has arrived
The most visible new feature is the sticker on the second locomotive – Vectron 193 132. It left the RS Lease hall in its new visual with the Lomnický štít motif on Monday, August 18, 2025.
The fleet was also joined by a third locomotive, 193 133, which arrived in Bratislava from Munich. It is currently undergoing administrative preparation and installation. Subsequently, it will be covered with a design sticker – the entire process should take approximately two weeks.
In operation between Slovakia and the Czech Republic
Locomotive 193 131 is deployed in the TS 301 rotation group on the route between Púchov and Prague, where ZSSK is currently strengthening the capacity of international connections.
In the future, there are plans to deploy additional locomotives on connections to Vienna via the Marchegg line and, if necessary, on the Slovenia-Croatia route, as some locomotives are equipped with the A17 package.
Photo credit: Matej Pleško
