Prague Plans Fourth Railway Track Between Běchovice and Libeň

Prague is continuing to expand its railway infrastructure. The existing railway line between Běchovice and Libeň is set to be expanded with a fourth track. This will allow suburban and long-distance rail services to be better separated in future and create additional capacity for high-speed trains.

The Czech Railway Administration (Správa železnic) has launched a public tender for the preparation of project documentation for the northern section of Prague's high-speed railway line (VRT Praha). The estimated contract value is around CZK 323 million.

The tender follows the completion of documentation for the planning approval process earlier this year and marks the next phase of project preparation. The selected engineering company will prepare both the documentation required for the building permit and the detailed construction plans. Extensive geological surveys are also planned.

Fourth track to increase capacity for suburban and long-distance services

The existing three-track railway corridor between Běchovice and Libeň is to be expanded with an additional track along its entire length on the southern side. The section is particularly important for the further development of rail transport. The fourth track is intended to provide more reliable connections, both for passengers travelling within Prague and for those coming from other parts of the Czech Republic.

Photo: Ministerstvo dopravy ČR

In future, high-speed trains will also use the modernised line. However, due to the surrounding buildings, they will operate at reduced speeds along this section.

New platforms and barrier-free access

The expansion will also bring changes to several railway stations and stops along the route.

A fourth platform is planned at Praha-Libeň railway station. The existing underpass is also to be extended, allowing access from both sides of the railway tracks in future.

The Praha-Kyje and Praha-Dolní Počernice stops are also set to be modernised. Plans include a new arrangement of platforms and barrier-free access.

Extensive changes are also planned in the Běchovice area. The modernised line will eventually connect to the planned high-speed railway towards Brno. The works will affect both Praha-Běchovice railway station and the Praha-Běchovice střed stop.

Photo: Ministerstvo dopravy ČR

Construction to begin no earlier than the second half of 2029

Preparations are being coordinated with other major railway projects in Prague. These include the planned high-speed railway line between Běchovice and Poříčany, the southern section of Prague's high-speed rail connection between Vršovice and Běchovice, and the Libeňský přesmyk project.

If the remaining planning and approval procedures proceed as scheduled, construction of the additional track could begin in the second half of 2029.