Work has officially begun on the comprehensive transformation of the Hradec Králové railway hub, marking the start of one of the most significant infrastructure projects currently underway on the Czech rail network. The project, which carries a price tag of 9.94 billion CZK, aims to modernize a critical transit point that serves as a gateway for thousands of commuters and freight services daily.
The scale of the project is matched by a surprising lack of competition. Despite the massive volume of work and the high contract value, only two bids were submitted during the tender process. The contract was ultimately awarded to a consortium consisting of OHLA ŽS, Subterra, and Elektrizace železnic Praha. This group secured the win by a narrow margin, beating the competing bid from a consortium of Strabag Rail, Eurovia CZ, and GJW Praha by less than 40 million CZK.
The timing of the contract’s signing in October of last year was marked by budgetary uncertainty, as it remained unclear whether the necessary funds would be allocated in the current year’s budget. The agreement was signed by Mojmír Nejezchleb, the deputy for modernization at Správa železnic, even as the former head of the organization, Jiří Svoboda, did not sign the document.
A Blueprint for Modernization and Accessibility
The project, officially titled “Modernization of the Hradec Králové – Pardubice – Chrudim line, 2nd construction, double-tracking of Opatovice nad Labem – Hradec Králové, 1st stage of Hradec Králové hl.n. Station,” is designed to solve long-standing bottlenecks. Hradec Králové’s main station is one of the busiest in the country, with approximately 20,000 passengers passing through daily and more than 200 trains utilizing its facilities.
For the passengers, the most immediate impact will be the transition to full accessibility. The plan includes the construction of a completely new platform and the modernization of existing ones. All platforms will become barrier-free, equipped with modern furniture and a revamped information and orientation system. To facilitate movement, reconstructed underpasses will be fitted with elevators and escalators.
Beyond passenger comfort, the technical upgrades are focused on speed and safety. Trains passing through the station will see their speeds increase to 80 km/h. The installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) and the removal of several level crossings are expected to significantly enhance operational safety.
Podepsáno. SŽ uzavřela desetimiliardovou soutěž na proměnu královéhradeckého uzlu
Urban Integration and Local Impact
The transformation extends beyond the tracks and into the urban fabric of Hradec Králové. The city is partially contributing to the investment, which includes the removal of railway crossings in the streets U Náhona and Na Důchodu. To replace these, a new underpass will be constructed for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing traffic conflicts and improving safety for non-motorized commuters.
Additional civil engineering work will focus on the bridge crossing Headčárovu třída. The bridge will be renovated, and the road beneath it will be expanded to include an additional traffic lane, aiming to ease congestion in the surrounding area.
Tomáš Tóth, who is tasked with managing the project for Správa železnic, emphasized that the goals are not just about speed, but about quality of life. „Rekonstrukce přinese nejen rychlejší, ale současně i tišší provoz vlaků. Do tohoto významného uzlu nyní ústí pouze jednokolejné tratě, na čtyřech z nich přitom připravujeme přidání druhé koleje. Tomu přizpůsobíme kolejiště stanice i zbývající přejezdy, které v rámci prací projdou rekonstrukcí,“ Tóth explained.
Project Specifications and Timeline
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | 9.94 Billion CZK |
| Completion Date | 2031 |
| Primary Funding | European Union |
| Key Technical Upgrade | ETCS Installation & Double-tracking |
| Passenger Capacity | ~20,000 daily users |
Strategic Regional Connectivity
The Hradec Králové hub is the center of a broader strategy to modernize four key lines leading into the city. The most immediate priority is the link to Pardubice, where the final six kilometers between Hradcem and Opatovice nad Labem are slated for reconstruction and double-tracking.
Further regional goals include the modernization and double-tracking of the route between Velký Osek, Hradec Králové, Týniště nad Orlicí, and Chocnice. This specific section is viewed as a critical alternative to the first railway corridor, particularly for heavy freight traffic. By increasing capacity and reducing travel times, the project aims to shift more cargo from roads to rail.
Finally, the project encompasses the railway connection from the regional capital through Jaroměř and Náchod toward the Polish border, ensuring that the entire regional network is upgraded to modern standards.
With the majority of funding provided by the European Union, the project represents a long-term commitment to the Czech Republic’s transit infrastructure. The next major milestone will be the phased implementation of the track work and the opening of the new barrier-free platforms as the project moves toward its 2031 deadline.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on these infrastructure changes in the comments below and share this report with others affected by the Hradec Králové transit updates.
