Spanish Expertise, Czech Ambition: SAGASTA Wins Bid for New High-Speed Rail Control Center

SAGASTA is taking on a major role in the future of Czech railways with a game-changing new project. A new control center is set to transform the management of the country’s high-speed rail network.

The CDP HSR Praha Project and What It Brings

The new control center will be located within the existing CDP (Central Dispatching Centre) facility in Prague’s Balabenka district. Its purpose will not only be to manage operations on the newly built high-speed rail lines but also serve as a backup for another control center being prepared in Přerov. In regular operations, both centers will cooperate, and in the event of one failing, the other will ensure continuous management of the entire HSR network. The project is set to be completed by 2030, according to a press release from the Czech Railway Administration.

The contract for the new control center was awarded to SAGASTA for approx. EUR 1.5 million excluding VAT, which is less than the expected price. In addition to designing the building, the project includes author supervision and preparation for related facilities such as parking spaces with electric vehicle chargers and a new energy center.

"In three years, we will begin the construction of a new control center to manage operations on high-speed rail lines. Additionally, from here, we will be prepared to manage operations on existing lines in the Prague rail hub," said Jiří Svoboda, CEO of the Czech Railway Administration.

SAGASTA’s Track Record in the Czech Republic

SAGASTA, a significant player in railway infrastructure, is no newcomer to the Czech market. With extensive experience in Spain, home to one of the most developed high-speed rail networks in Europe, the company has earned a reputation as a reliable partner. In the Czech Republic, SAGASTA has been involved in several key projects.

One of the major projects was the design of the modernization of the Dětmarovice–Petrovice railway line, which connects the Czech Republic with Poland. This double-track line underwent extensive reconstruction, including renewal of the track structure, subgrade remediation, renovation of traction power lines, and the power supply station. The stations and a bridge over the Olše River were also upgraded. The project was completed and inaugurated in August 2024.

Another significant task for SAGASTA in the Czech Republic is designing the connection of the Mošnov transshipment terminal to the Přerov–Sedlnice railway line. The contract, valued at around EUR 2.9 million, includes the preparation of project documentation for a new junction and the expansion of the Sedlnice station. The total investment for the project is approx. EUR 71 million, with completion expected by 2031.

SAGASTA was also involved in the modernization of the Prague metro Line D, where the company introduced innovative technology for utilizing geothermal energy from tunnel walls. This energy is used for heating and cooling buildings in Nové Dvory and is a key component of Prague's climate action plan.

📌 Pražská Balabenka se stane klíčovým bodem pro české #VRT!@spravazeleznic vybrala projektanta pro nové centrální dispečerské pracoviště (CDP) vysokorychlostních tratí, které rozšíří stávající areál pro dálkové řízení provozu. Kromě moderní budovy zde vzniknou i parkovací… pic.twitter.com/V50vqBWjFv

— Jakub Bazgier VRT (@JakubBazgierSZ) November 7, 2024

Spain as Inspiration for the Czech Republic

Spain is also renowned for its high-speed rail achievements, boasting the largest high-speed rail network in Europe and one of the most cost-effective systems in terms of construction. Czech Minister of Transport, Martin Kupka, praised Spain as an example of efficient high-speed rail planning and construction. "We can draw inspiration not only from their technical solutions but also from their approach to financing and project organization," he said in an interview with RAILTARGET.

High-Speed Rail as a Czech Jewel: International Cooperation with SAGASTA

The development of high-speed rail in the Czech Republic underscores the importance of collaborating with international partners. Foreign companies, like Spain’s SAGASTA, bring valuable experience and best practices from the world’s most modern rail networks. This approach is welcomed by the Ministry of Transport, as greater competition leads to lower costs, modern technologies, and high-quality execution. Embracing global expertise allows the Czech Republic to create a high-speed rail network that can compete with the best in Europe.

Source: Czech Railway Administration Press Release; RAILTARGET; SAGASTA; Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic