THE CURRENT STATUS OF EAST SLOVAKIAN TRANSHIPMENT POINTS AND THE POSSIBILITIES OF THEIR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT

The article discusses the possibilities of East Slovakian transhipment facilities, which, despite their relatively strategic location and the possibilities they provide, are far from being used as much as their capacities allow. Growing requirements for green transport and reducing the carbon footprint create space for increasing rail transport as the most ecological option; on the other hand, the long-standing problems experienced by East Slovakian transhipment points put them in a competitive disadvantageous position compared to other countries. The opening of the Silk Road provides opportunities that East Slovakian transhipment points do not use or use very little. Therefore, the article points out the weaknesses of East Slovak transhipment centres and looks for ways to improve the current situation, it also draws attention to the possibilities of East Slovakian transhipment centres, especially Čierna nad Tisou, and makes suggestions for rationalization. The findings of the article point to the fact that Eastern Slovakian transhipment facilities have a potential that needs to be further developed, which, however, will probably not be possible without state aid.