Czechia Accelerates Towards High-Speed Rail Revolution: Highlights from Czech Republic-Spain Railways Business Forum

At the Czech Republic-Spain Railways Business Forum, Jiří Merta, Deputy Director of High-speed Lines Construction Management at Správa železnic (Czech Railway Administration), unveiled the Czech Republic's extensive plans for its future high-speed rail network.

In his presentation titled "High-speed railway lines in the Czech Republic," Merta outlined an ambitious agenda to integrate Czech rail operations into the broader Central European network. This includes significant routes like the Berlin-Prague-Vienna line, expected to cut travel times to around four hours, and further connections planned with Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, and extending to the Baltic states through the Rail Baltica project.

Merta's insights into the planned Czech high-speed railway network highlighted its potential to transform the region's transit landscape by facilitating quicker travel and strengthening economic ties between major cities across Czechia and its neighbors.

During the forum, a detailed schedule has been presented to manage the various phases of the project effectively. The timeline extends from initial feasibility studies beginning in 2020 through to the anticipated start of construction by the end of the decade.

As the project progresses, more complex aspects emerge, such as detailed property settlements and land acquisitions essential for laying down the physical infrastructure. Public consultations are an ongoing process, ensuring that community feedback is integrated into the planning stages. Financial strategies are being explored concurrently, with studies on financing options and public-private partnership (PPP) feasibility studies set before the final tender processes are initiated.

By 2024, the project has moved into more advanced stages of connecting Europe facilities, aligning with broader European transport networks. Detailed design work and the commencement of construction are planned for the latter part of the decade, promising enhanced connectivity within Central Europe and supporting the region's economic growth and sustainability initiatives.

The technical blueprint for the high-speed rail lines was also a key part of Merta's presentation. It detailed the use of modern rail technologies such as a 2x25 kV, 50 Hz power supply system and the implementation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) standards to ensure safety and efficiency.

Designed for passenger transport, the lines will support speeds up to 320 km/h, aligning with top international high-speed train models from Railjet to the Velaro.

Source: Správa železnic, RAILTARGET