72 Billion Crowns for Czech Railways: Major Projects Set to Significantly Improve Rail Travel

With multi-billion-crown investments, the Czech Republic is pushing ahead with the expansion and modernisation of its railway network. The focus is on faster connections, greater safety, and tangible improvements for commuters and travellers across the country.

Modernisation of the Czech railway network continues: the State Fund for Transport Infrastructure is providing 72.2 billion crowns this year. The funds will go towards projects designed to sustainably improve everyday rail travel. Around 20 billion crowns are earmarked for track maintenance. Additional station buildings will be modernised with investments of several hundred million crowns, and around 750 million crowns are planned to enhance safety at level crossings. Several lines will also be electrified.

Construction of the approximately 15-kilometre section from Prague-Ruzyně to Kladno is set to begin in spring. This represents the longest stage so far of the Prague–Airport–Kladno project. The line will run mostly on a new route; with straightened curves and electrification, trains will be able to run at speeds of up to 145 km/h.

Foto: Ministerstvo dopravy ČR

Part of the investment is also intended for the modernisation of the section from Pilsen via Nýřany to Chotěšov, which is to form part of a high-capacity connection between the West Bohemian metropolis and Bavaria. At the same time, the long-prepared reconstruction of the Ostrava railway hub will begin. The final section damaged during the floods in autumn 2024 – the Opava to Kravaře line – will also be repaired.

Works will additionally take place on the heavily trafficked section between Kolín and Kutná Hora. Plans also include the revitalisation and electrification of the Nýřany to Heřmanova Huť line, as well as the expansion of the overhead line between Rudoltice v Čechách and Lanškroun.

The actual start of the projects depends on the approval of the state budget in the Chamber of Deputies.