photo: RAILTARGET/Battery train introduction
It was supposed to be a historic moment—the unveiling of Škoda Transportation’s first-ever battery-powered train on Czech tracks. But instead of a smooth premiere, the event exposed delays, last-minute chaos, and questionable decision-making.
A Late Arrival for a Big Moment
The press team of Škoda Transportation barely made it to their own event on time. And the problem wasn’t just logistical confusion—delayed trains and unexpected detours stretched their journey by almost an hour.
As their train stopped just outside Ostrava, it became clear: they weren’t going to make it in time. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Martin Kupka, Czech Railways (ČD) CEO Michal Krapinec, journalists, and VIP guests were already waiting for the grand unveiling of this cutting-edge battery-powered train. By the time Škoda’s team finally arrived, the press conference had already ended, and their highly anticipated train was impatiently waiting for departure.
Planning Gone Wrong
It’s common sense—when you’re organizing a high-profile event, you allow extra time for potential delays. A company like Škoda Transportation, which supplies rail vehicles for the Czech market, should be well aware of possible service disruptions and plan accordingly.
For an event of this significance, a full, on-time delegation was expected. Yet, somehow, even the hosts struggled to show up.
A Train Built in a Hurry?
Adding to the spectacle, the battery-powered train—hailed as a major technological breakthrough—was developed under intense last-minute pressure. The approval process and agreement between Czech Railways and Škoda Transportation happened without a public tender, raising serious concerns among industry experts. Many questioned whether the launch was truly a milestone for innovation or just an attempt to salvage Škoda’s reputation.
What was meant to be a historic day for Czech rail turned into a lesson in poor planning, questionable transparency, and an embarrassing debut for a train that barely made it to its own premiere.