How to achieve sustainable and environmentally acceptable rail transport?

Currently, it is necessary to develop public passenger transport, introduce integrated transport systems, and ensure their functioning at the superregional level with more efficient connections. The supporting transport system must be railway transport within the passenger and freight transport. For this reason, it is necessary to constantly innovate the concept of rail transport development and offer long-term strategic solutions that can be implemented in all EU member states. Ensuring sustainable rail passenger transport requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account technical, technological, economic, and environmental aspects. Currently, attention is focused on the introduction of alternative propulsions that would replace traditional motor traction, especially on railway lines without electrification. The contribution describes the current state of railway transport in the Slovak Republic, including individual problems and shortcomings. Subsequently, a framework vision and a solution to these shortcomings within the defined areas are proposed. The measures in the field of railway vehicles are characterized in more detail, specifically in the case of the introduction of alternative propulsions. Current trends in the introduction of alternative propulsions in rail transport, primarily passenger, technical specifications, operational requirements, and limits, which must be taken into account when implementing them into real operation, are described in more detail.