Czech Railways is upgrading its network for the future: new lines, modernised stations and advanced safety technology will provide faster and more comfortable travel.
The year 2025 was marked by modernisation, maintenance and the preparation of new major projects for Czech Railways. Over 300 kilometres of track were renewed, stations carefully refurbished, the ETCS safety system ensured around 40 million safer train kilometres, and numerous major projects were advanced. Next year, the Prague–Airport–Kladno rail link project will, in particular, take visible shape.
In December, the Czech Railway administration (Správa železnic) received planning permission for the 15 kilometre section between Ruzyně and Kladno – the longest part of the project. “A large part of the line is new; thanks to straighter curves and electrification, trains will be able to reach speeds of up to 145 km/h. This will significantly shorten the journey time between Prague and the largest town in Central Bohemia,” explains Mojmír Nejezchleb, Deputy Head of Modernisation at Správa železnic. Construction work is expected to take four years following the contract signing with the contractor.
Preparations are running in parallel for further sections of the line. In September, work began on a new station in Kladno – the first wooden station in the Czech Republic. A valid permit has now been issued for the future underground station at Prague Airport. In addition, tunnel routes between Dejvice and Veleslavín are being geologically surveyed. This year, a contractor is expected to be selected for the section from Výstaviště to the new metro station in Dejvice.
Further Major Projects in Preparation
Progress is also expected on other lines. Modernisation of the Prague–Munich railway is advancing, particularly the Plzeň–Nýřany–Chotěšov section; preparations are already well advanced – construction could start this year. In addition, the Mladá Boleslav–Liberec line is being expanded; a tender process for the Turnov junction is expected to begin this year. For freight traffic, the refurbishment of the Hradec Králové–Týniště nad Orlicí section of the Velký Osek–Choceň line is significant.
Modern Rail Hubs and Accessible Stations
Last year also saw the modernisation of key rail hubs. In Česká Třebová, all platforms are being renewed and a new pedestrian bridge over the tracks is being built. The project will enable faster through journeys and reduce noise. In Hradec Králové, passengers will gain step-free access to trains, with a new platform added.
Prague’s suburbs have also benefited: the Čelákovice–Mstětice and Karlštejn–Beroun lines have been comprehensively renewed, while Prague-Smíchov and Masarykovo nádraží stations are being modernised.
Safer and Faster Thanks to ETCS
The European Train Control System (ETCS) has proven effective on main lines: since January, over half a million trains have travelled around 40 million kilometres without incident. The system also allows for higher speeds: Pendolino trains reached 200 km/h for the first time in September on the Prague–České Budějovice line. In 2026, ETCS coverage will be extended to further regional lines.
Laying the Groundwork for High-Speed Lines
Key approvals have been granted for the Přerov–Ostrava and Brno–Břeclav high-speed lines (VRT) ; land can now be acquired. The Přerov–Ostrava section has a full advisory team for the first PPP high-speed project, including work on the concession agreement. At the same time, the existing Brno–Přerov line is being modernised, including double-track sections. Future trains will be able to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. Geotechnical preliminary surveys have also begun for the Krušnohorský Tunnel on the Prague–Dresden line.
Historic Stations Shine Anew
Several listed stations have been restored, including Františkovy Lázně and Žatec, which have regained their original appearance. In Mladá Boleslav, a modern transport terminal is being constructed, while the Fantov building at Prague’s main station continues to be carefully renovated.
