Czech Republic’s Railway Union Urges Government to Prioritize Infrastructure Investment for Modernization
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The Union of Passenger Railway Carriers SVOD Bohemia has issued a strong call for significant investment in the Czech Republic’s railway infrastructure, emphasizing the need for increased capacity, electrification, and the development of high-speed lines to meet growing demand and align with European standards.
SVOD Bohemia recently analyzed the program statement of the emerging government regarding transport, identifying key areas for improvement to enhance the quality, reliability, and competitiveness of the nation’s rail network. A central tenet of their assessment is the necessity of expanding infrastructure capacity, particularly on the busiest routes, to unlock faster and more dependable service.
“If we want to increase speed on the railway and ensure reliability at the same time, we need to separate fast and slow traffic, physically – that is, by expanding the capacity of backbone lines in particular,” stated Petr Moravec, executive director of SVOD Bohemia. “Without this, trains will not use high speed because they will be limited by the slower traffic in front of them.”
Lagging Electrification and the Need for Modernization
Another critical priority highlighted by SVOD Bohemia is accelerating the electrification of railway tracks. Currently, approximately one-third of the Czech Republic’s network is electrified, significantly behind the European average of 50% and failing to meet the demands of domestic rail transport. The union advocates for a comprehensive electrification plan, tailored to both heavily used and less-trafficked lines.
For busy national lines, electrification should be coupled with increased capacity through complete double-tracking or the addition of more switches. On less utilized lines, a simpler electrification approach may suffice.
Prioritizing Corridor Capacity and Speed
SVOD Bohemia recommends extending the busiest sections of track to a four-track arrangement or constructing parallel two-track lines, including dedicated high-speed routes. The organization cautions against simply adding a third track, arguing it will be insufficient to address capacity constraints.
Increasing track speed to 200 km/h is only viable, the union asserts, when coupled with the physical separation of fast and slow trains. Otherwise, the potential for reduced capacity and decreased reliability is substantial, as faster services would be hampered by slower freight and regional trains – which typically operate at around half that speed. Finding continuous 70 km sections suitable for a 200 km/h upgrade within the existing network is deemed “very difficult, if not impossible,” due to the required increase in track curvature.
Enhancing Safety and Implementing New Technologies
Modernizing railway crossings and bolstering safety measures are also key recommendations. SVOD Bohemia supports expanding the installation of active security technologies and proposes a cost-effective solution: the systematic use of cameras capable of capturing vehicle license plate information. The union also advocates for the prosecution of drivers who disregard safety regulations at railroad crossings.
The implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) by 2029 is welcomed, but SVOD Bohemia stresses the importance of coordinating its rollout with electrification projects and the acquisition of new electric vehicles to avoid unnecessary expenses on older diesel sets.
Supporting Freight and Transshipment Infrastructure
Investment in freight transport and transshipment points is also deemed crucial, particularly along the Pilsen – Domažlice – Furth im Wald and České Velenice – Gmünd lines. However, the union emphasizes that these investments must be accompanied by electrification and double-tracking to ensure sufficient capacity and performance.
High-Speed Lines: A Strategic Imperative
SVOD Bohemia identifies high-speed lines as a “key project” that should continue to receive long-term, diversified funding. These lines are not solely about speed, but about fundamentally increasing network capacity by separating fast and slow traffic.
The routes (Germany) – Krušnohorský tunnel – Ústí nad Labem – Prague – Brno – Břeclav (– Austria) and Brno – Přerov – Ostrava are considered priority routes, and suspending their preparation would be a “strategic mistake.” When determining key technical parameters, decisions must be grounded in the practical realities of the Czech Republic’s infrastructure.
Existing studies suggest an average terminal distance of 50 km, a design speed of 320 km/h, and the use of a gravel bed. However, the union raises questions about the cost-effectiveness of gravel beds at such high speeds, suggesting exploration of “fixed track” alternatives, common abroad, which may offer lower lifetime costs. Connecting high-speed lines to the Prague railway junction and modernizing that junction is also essential for maximizing their benefits.
Incentivizing Public Transport Use
SVOD Bohemia supports the reinstatement of 75% fare discounts for students and seniors, acknowledging this as a direct taxpayer subsidy. As a supplementary measure, the union recommends exploring tax-neutral employer contributions to employee public transport fares, potentially reducing the financial burden on the state.
Finally, the union champions the unification of urban, regional, and national transport systems and the creation of integrated transfer terminals to streamline connectivity and enhance the overall passenger experience.
Peter Moravec, Executive Director of the Union of Passenger Railway Carriers (SVOD Bohemia), concluded that a holistic and forward-thinking approach to railway infrastructure is essential for the Czech Republic to achieve a modern, efficient, and sustainable transportation system.
