Repair Works of Railway Stations in Prague and Central Bohemia Will Cost More than CZK 200 million this Year

22.03.2018

Owing to complicated project preparation, mainly smaller railway stations are being renovated this year, nevertheless, works on major station buildings such as Praha-Smíchov and Praha-hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Station) should start no later than next year. However, a number of major projects are already being carried out this year. "At the beginning of the year, we have finished repairs to the railway buildings in Zdice or Praha-Braník, and repairs to the buildings in Kutná Hora and Příbram are finishing at the moment", says Mr. Lukáš Fořt, Director of the SŽDC Passenger Station Administration in Prague, and adds: "Moreover, in a few weeks, renovations of station buildings in Kolín, Hořovice, Karlštejn and Nelahozeves will begin. Most of the projects provide for facade repairs, replacement of windows and doors and renovation of public areas."

In addition to the repair works, preparations of larger projects continue this year to allow their commencement next year. These include the reconstruction of the Beroun station building as well as two of Prague's most important railway stations - Praha-Smíchov and the historic Fanta's building at the Main Station. Smíchov Railway Station is one of the three busiest in the capital, but its station building was built more than sixty years ago so that it has long failed to meet the needs of today and requires a major renovation. "It will be the most extensive reconstruction of a station building since 1952. The renovation will bring energy savings, changes in the layout, improved working conditions and increased client comfort”, explains Mr. Lukáš Fořt. The reconstruction will concern the entire passenger station building, including its central part and both wings.

As regards the repairs to Fanta's building, a project is currently being designed for SŽDC to apply for a building decision and to call for tenders. "We are also preparing an analysis on the use of Fanta's building with the aim to connect the new station hall more closely with the historic building", says Mr. Fořt. The smaller stations in Prague and Central Bohemia scheduled to be renovated next year are those in Votice, Zvoleněves and Žleby. Apart from the building renovation itself, it is also very important to make use of the available extra space in these buildings. "This year we will focus more on the commercial utilisation of railway stations premises, such as having at least an ATM, a drinks machine or a café, a news stand or a snack bar at the passengers’ disposal at every major station. We want to create certain standards for station buildings of various sizes", concludes Mr. Fořt.

*Investment started in 2017 

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