Battery Factory in Šurany - What It Means for Podhajska Visitors
One of the largest investments in Slovak history is being built near Podhajska thermal spa. How will the new battery factory affect transport and tourism in the region?
Just 15 kilometers from Podhajska thermal spa, an industrial park with a battery manufacturing plant for electric vehicles is being built in Šurany. The Gotion InoBat Batteries (GIB) project represents a €1.2 billion investment and will create approximately 1,300 jobs. For Podhajska visitors, this brings changes in transport but also new opportunities.
About the project
Šurany Industrial Park is a strategic investment approved by the Slovak government in March 2025. Investor GIB EnergyX Slovakia (a joint venture between Chinese Gotion High-Tech and Slovak startup InoBat) will build a battery cell manufacturing plant for electric vehicles with a planned capacity of 40 GWh annually.
The project covers approximately 636 hectares and includes production halls, warehouses, a railway terminal, and related infrastructure. It is the second largest foreign investment in Slovak history.
Project timeline
Impact on tourism in Podhajska
Construction of such a large project near a popular tourist destination brings changes. Let's look at both positive and challenging aspects:
Opportunities for the region
- ✓New visitor segment
Approximately 1,300 factory employees may use wellness services in Podhajska after work. Potential for business and corporate events.
- ✓Infrastructure improvement
Planned Šurany bypass and new cycling paths will improve accessibility of the entire region.
- ✓Higher regional visibility
International attention on Šurany increases awareness of the entire region including Podhajska.
- ✓Service development
Expected arrival of new restaurants, services, and accommodation facilities in the area.
Challenges during construction
- !Temporary traffic restrictions
Speed limits reduced from 90 to 50 km/h on road I/64 (main route to Podhajska) near the construction site.
- !Increased traffic
Heavy transport related to construction may cause delays, especially on weekdays.
- !Transitional period
During construction (2025-2027), travel may be less comfortable than after infrastructure completion.
Transport changes to Podhajska
Traveling to Podhajska through Šurany is undergoing changes. Here are current information and alternative routes:
Road I/64 via Šurany
Main route from Nitra. Temporary speed reduction to 50 km/h near construction site. Allow extra 10-15 minutes.
Alternative via Vráble
From Nitra via Vráble and Dvory nad Žitavou. Longer route but less construction traffic.
From Nové Zámky
Direct route approx. 20 km. This route is not affected by factory construction.
Future Šurany bypass
Planned bypass will significantly improve traffic situation after completion (expected 2027+).
Practical tips for visitors
- →If traveling through Šurany, allow slightly longer travel time (10-15 minutes extra).
- →On weekdays (Monday-Friday) traffic is more intense - weekend visits are quieter.
- →Check current traffic information before traveling (Google Maps, Waze).
- →Alternative route via Vráble is suitable if you want to avoid construction traffic.
- →From Nové Zámky, the road to Podhajska is without restrictions.
- →After bypass completion (2027+), the situation will significantly improve.
Note: Information in this article is based on publicly available sources and may change. For current traffic information, we recommend checking navigation apps. This article is informational and does not represent a position on the battery factory project itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Podhajska thermal spa still accessible?
Yes, the spa operates without restrictions. Changes only affect transport through Šurany, where there are temporary speed limits.
Which route to Podhajska is fastest?
From Vienna or Budapest, we recommend the route via Nové Zámky (not via Šurany). From Nitra, the road via Šurany is still shortest, just allow 10-15 min extra.
Will the factory affect water quality at the spa?
Thermal water in Podhajska comes from 1,900 meters depth and is not affected by surface activities. The factory is located 15 km from the spa.
When will the traffic situation improve?
After completion of the planned Šurany bypass (expected 2027 and later), traffic will significantly improve. The bypass is part of the investment project.
Plan your visit to Podhajska
Despite temporary traffic restrictions, Podhajska thermal spa remains an excellent choice for relaxation. We will help you find the right accommodation.
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