photo: České dráhy / Public domain/High-speed rail, illustrative photo
The high-speed railway connecting Prague and Brno is moving closer to reality. A key section linking Světlá nad Sázavou and Velká Bíteš will not only improve access to the Vysočina region but also enable travel from Jihlava to Prague in just 50 minutes and to Brno in 40 minutes.
The Prague-Brno high-speed rail line promises to significantly shorten travel times between the Czech Republic’s two largest cities. The Railway Administration recently announced that the final section’s design will be managed by a consortium of companies, including SUDOP PRAHA, EGIS RAIL, MORAVIA CONSULT OLOMOUC, and METROPROJEKT Praha. According to the organization’s press release, the project is expected to cost nearly EUR 23.1 million.
High-Speed Rail: Improving Vysočina’s Accessibility
The new section of the rail line will pass between Světlá nad Sázavou and Velká Bíteš, revolutionizing travel across the Vysočina region. "Designers will focus not only on the track alignment but also on finding the best way to integrate the line into the landscape. The project also includes connecting central Jihlava to the high-speed rail network, incorporating a technical design for the future Jihlava HSR terminal, and modernizing the existing track from Velké Meziříčí to Křižanov," said Jakub Bazgier, Director of High-Speed Rail Construction at the Railway Administration.
In a break from the traditional cost-focused approach, this project used the Best Value Approach (BVA) methodology to select designers. This quality- and performance-oriented method aims to minimize risks throughout the project’s execution.
Connecting Jihlava to the High-Speed Network
The project will also link Jihlava’s city center to the high-speed rail network. This connection will enable direct travel from Jihlava to Prague in 50 minutes and to Brno in 40 minutes. As part of the upgrades, the Jihlava město railway station will undergo modernization, including new platforms and connecting tracks that allow trains to enter without needing to change direction. This development marks a major step toward faster and more convenient travel for Vysočina residents.
Spanning over 80 kilometers, this key section will bring the regional capital, Jihlava, significantly closer to major transport arteries. It will also improve connections to other cities like Třebíč and Havlíčkův Brod, further enhancing the region’s accessibility and economic integration.
Source: Správa železnic