Press releases

First trains will start using the reconstructed line section between the stations Děčín východ (Děčín East) and Děčín-Prostřední Žleb tomorrow, which plays an important role in freight transport between the Czech Republic and Germany. One of the biggest challenges for the builders was the replacement of the more than 100-year-old steel structure of the bridge over the Elbe River and the complete rehabilitation of the Děčín Tunnel.

Správa železnic has announced another contract related to the preparation of a network of high-speed lines (HSL, or VRT in Czech). The designers will propose an almost 11 km long extension of the planned HSL in South Moravia in the details of the documentation for zoning decision. New connection to the existing corridor near Rakvice will enable smoother train operation and will also be more capacious compared to the original exit near Šakvice.

After a two-year period of heavy loading, the important link between Brno and Prague through Vysočina is awaiting extensive modernisation. Tender preparations for the contractor of the reconstruction of the sections between Vlkov u Tišnova and Křižanov and Přibyslav and Pohled are being finalised. The station Vlkov u Tišnova is also waiting for a comprehensive reconstruction. Preparatory construction works should start in November this year, the most demanding stage with its impact on operation will come in 2024. The total investment costs of all three constructions will exceed CZK 6.9 billion.

Správa železnic has concluded another contract on design works for the future network of high-speed lines (HSL, or VRT in Czech). Technical design will be provided for the section of the VRT Střední Čechy (HSL Central Bohemia) between Poříčany and Světlá nad Sázavou, which will become part of the line from Prague to Brno. As of today, the designers are preparing in detail more than 300 kilometres of new lines.

From 1 February, Správa železnic will start full operation of the automated system for recording and evaluating offences at the level crossing in Vendryně near Třinec. The technical solution was prepared within the framework of a pilot project in cooperation with the Directorate of Traffic Police Services and the Municipality of Třinec. Last year, it was successfully tested and its deployment was approved by the Police of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Transport in January. The automatic camera system will gradually start to supervise the discipline of drivers at other level crossings.

The condition of station buildings across the Czech Republic is gradually improving. Správa železnic has been in charge of them since 2016, and in the following five years, it has renovated 284 buildings. Last year, another 36 locations were added to them. The result of the work was usually new check-in areas, barrier-free access, lavatories and a range of services. Approximately CZK 2.3 billion was spent on the construction works. This year, the amount earmarked for these purposes will be 200 million more. Dozens more stations will be reconstructed.

The railway bridge under Vyšehrad is at the limit of its operability. Therefore, Správa železnic will gradually proceed to necessary measures during the year according to the plan, which will affect the railway operation. The ban on running trains with multiple locomotives was the first to come into force in mid-January. Other measures being taken are aimed at keeping operation on the bridge to the maximum extent possible without jeopardising safety. At the same time, Správa železnic is taking steps to mitigate the prospective restriction on freight transport.

Increasing safety at level crossings is one of the priorities of Správa železnic. Last year was a record year in this respect; thanks to sufficient financial resources, 233 level crossings were reconstructed. The original plan envisaged the modification of 150 level crossings. In addition to the modernisation and addition of crossing safety installation, the cancellation of level crossings has also ensured greater traffic safety. This occurred at more than 100 locations.

Správa železnic is reacting to the debate that has broken out among the public after the announcement of the winning design of the bridge at Prague Výtoň. We answer the most common questions in the following points:

Major modernisation of the Praha Masarykovo nádraží (Prague Masaryk station) has completed another important step in its preparation. Správa železnic has obtained a final building permit. In spring 2023, a tender for a contractor will be launched, and the construction work should begin within the year. It will be finished by 2026. The project includes, among other things, the extension of the current number of tracks from seven to nine, the reconstruction of all platforms and the construction of a new roof platform above the track facility, which will remove barriers in the area, allow access to individual platforms and offer a direct transfer to metro line B.