Press releases

Správa železnic, the Czech railway infrastructure manager, held the very first ‘Day with Suppliers’ today. The event, taking place in the historic premises of Prague Main Station, is one of a series of steps designed to open up the domestic railway market to a higher number of companies, including foreign ones. The purpose is to increase competition and thereby contribute to lower prices in tenders.

One of the most important transfer hubs on Správa železnic network is set to undergo a complete modernisation. Passengers at the main station in Hradec Králové will gain barrier-free access to trains, and a completely new platform will be built. Trains will increase their speed as they pass through the station, and operational safety will improve thanks to the deployment of ETCS and the removal of several level crossings. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2031. The contract price is CZK 9.94 billion, with the European Union funding up to 8.7 billion.

Správa železnic has signed a contract with the developers for the modernisation of the railway line between Praha-Ruzyně and Kladno. The most significant contract of this year’s construction period on the Czech rail network will be cheaper than expected, as the bid came in significantly below the estimated price. Cost savings were also achieved in the reconstruction project between Plzeň, Nýřany, and Chotěšov. This contract has also been signed.

The new main railway station building in Mladá Boleslav takes its final shape. The columns and reinforced concrete elements are already in place, and the roof construction has also been completed. This modern, energy-efficient and architectonically remarkable building will serve as a multifunctional transportation hub.

Správa železnic will start a ceiling renovation of the departure hall at Prague Main Station. A contractor for the first phase is being searched, the start is scheduled for the first half of this year. The builders will not only restore the ceiling’s waterproofing, but they will also make improvements to the city motorway on Wilsonova Street, which runs directly above the departure hall.

On Saturday, 7 March, one of the busiest level crossings in Czechia will be closed, as the crossing of the main railway line between Přerov and Ostrava in Studénka with an important road will be eliminated. Správa železnic is reaching the main phase of new underpass construction. It brings a significant improvement in the safety and continuity of road and rail traffic.

Správa železnic Supervisory Board met today for the first time in its new, revised composition. It discussed the findings of an internal audit of public procurements, which found no significant deficiencies. As a result, the Supervisory Board was able to settle the management contract of the former Director General, Mr. Jiří Svoboda. At the same time, the Board instructed the company’s management to terminate his employment.

The most extensive rebuilding of the train station at Smíchov in Prague in its history continues. An overpass spanning the railway facility is being constructed, it will be carrying a new bus terminal. The first completed train platforms will be opened later this year. Once construction is finished, passengers will be able to transfer comfortably between trains and city public transport, a parking house will be built, and a new pedestrian bridge will connect the quarters of Smíchov and Radlice. The train station will become the hub of the growing surrounding urban area.

Správa železnic is expected to pay significantly less for the maintenance of key railway lines. Bid prices in four current tenders are nearly a third lower than expected costs, with total savings potentially exceeding CZK 340 million. As a result, the renovation of another section, originally scheduled for next year, could begin as early as this year.

The new head of Správa železnic, Tomáš Tóth, has announced the first phase of the organisation's transformation. Starting at the beginning of April, the management structure is being adjusted, selected agendas centralised, expenses reduced and changes in tender procedures prepared. The aim of the changes, which are closely coordinated with the Ministry of Transport, is to open up the railway market to a wider range of suppliers, increase competition, and achieve savings while maintaining the quality of projects.