Czechia has its first line with exclusive operation of trains under ETCS system

Správa železnic has completed an extensive reconstruction of the Olomouc – Uničov on which the operation of trains under the supervision of this single European signalling system will be launched from January. This significantly reduces the risk of human factor failure in driving rail vehicles and traffic control. According to Jiří Svoboda, Director General of Správa železnic, this is a significant milestone: “From 2025, exclusive ETCS operation will be mandatory on a significant part of our network. The launch of this system on the line from Olomouc to Uničov is an important step, because we can test the operation here together with the carriers and avoid some of the complications that may be associated with the introduction of exclusive operation of the ETCS.” The maximum speed on the line has increased up to 160 km/h, stations and stops are newly barrier-free, the station buildings in Bohuňovice and Šternberk have been reconstructed and last but not least the section has been electrified. Passengers can also look forward to a new orientation system at stations and stops.

From December, trains will also return to the line between Uničov and Libina, which has also undergone a complete reconstruction and electrification. The speed on the line has been increased to 100 km/h, platforms at stations and stops are now barrier-free and the station building in Libina has been modernised. As part of the modernisation, a new stop Troubelice střed was created, which will be closer to passengers than the existing station. The reconstruction of the connecting section to Šumperk, which will have similar parameters, is also being completed in these days. Speed decreases have been removed and a total of nine level crossings have been modernised. Passengers will return to the line at the beginning of next year.

The modernisation and electrification of the line from Olomouc to Šumperk will enable carriers to deploy modern electric train units, increase the capacity of the line and the level of its safety. The traction system is now DC, but future conversion of the traction power supply to AC is envisaged.

Soubory ke stažení