photo: RAILTARGET/Prague Central Station; illustrative photo
The Czech Railway Administration has selected the designer for a key high-speed rail segment connecting Světlá nad Sázavou with Velká Bíteš. The project will be handled by a consortium of companies, including SUDOP PRAHA, EGIS RAIL, MORAVIA CONSULT OLOMOUC, and METROPROJEKT Praha, with a contract valued at approximately EUR 23.1 million.
A Comprehensive Design Approach
"The designers will not only focus on the track alignment but also on finding the best way to integrate the railway into the landscape," explained Jakub Bazgier, Director of High-Speed Rail Construction at the Railway Administration. The project includes connecting Jihlava’s city center to the high-speed network, developing the technical design for the future Jihlava VRT terminal, and modernizing the existing line between Velké Meziříčí and Křižanov. Each segment will undergo an independent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Spanning over 80 kilometers, this section will play a crucial role in linking the Vysočina region to the high-speed rail system between Prague, Brno, and Ostrava. The project will enhance the accessibility of Jihlava, the regional capital, and improve connections to cities like Třebíč and Havlíčkův Brod.
Prioritizing Quality and Risk Management
The contract evaluation emphasized the Best Value Approach (BVA) and Best Value Procurement (BVP) methodologies. These performance-based approaches help clients select contractors based on quality and efficiency rather than just the lowest bid. They also provide tools to minimize risks throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Direct Connections for Jihlava
The integration of Jihlava into the high-speed rail network involves expanding the Jihlava město railway station with new platforms and connecting tracks that allow trains to enter directly without reversing. The design includes direct routes from Jihlava’s center to Prague, with an estimated travel time of 50 minutes, and to Brno, expected to take around 40 minutes.
Source: Správy železnic Press Release