Train journey to South Bohemia takes less time, ETCS will allow further speeding up

The network of double-track lines in the Czech Republic has recently expanded by approximately twenty kilometres between Sudoměřice u Tábora and Votice. The modernisation of this section was festively completed today by Správa železnic. The construction of the large-scale relocation brought, besides a higher railway capacity, also a significant increase in line speed. In addition, the trains will be even faster; instead of the current 160 km/h, it will be possible to travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h after the installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS).

The work has been ongoing since May 2018. Instead of a single-track line with a number of curves, a double-track relocation for speeds of up to 200 km/h was built, which is routed in most of its length in parallel with the D3 motorway. The constructors built two tunnels – Mezno and Deboreč, the tracks also pass over several elevated guideways, the largest of which are located in Heřmaničky.

The stations Ješetice, Střezimíř and Heřmaničky replaced the same named stops, the platforms of the existing stops in Mezno and Červený Újezd u Votic were moved to the relocated line. Freight trains can then use the four-track station Červený Újezd u Votic. All platforms are at a height of 550 millimetres above the track, which enables comfortable boarding of trains. Passengers will appreciate the barrier-free access via inclined pavements.

New station interlocking and line signalling equipment ensured increased operational safety. In addition, all level crossings were removed and replaced by underpasses or overpasses. Therefore, some roads were modified or locally relocated during the construction. A number of measures were also taken to reduce the impact of rail traffic on the surrounding environment.

Increasing the line speed up to 200 km/h will enable the construction of the European Train Control System (ETCS) in this section, which will be completed in about a year. Already now, express trains can cover the route between Prague and Tábor in one hour, the journey to České Budějovice takes 100 minutes.

The total investment costs of the project amounted to CZK 6,734,886,294 excluding VAT. The company OHLA ŽS was the contractor of the works.

The project Modernisation of the line Sudoměřice – Votice was co-financed by the European Union under the Operational Programme Transport 2014–2020. The EU contribution can reach up to CZK 3,966,814,703. National funding was provided by Státní fond dopravní infrastruktury (State Fund for Transport Infrastructure).

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