České dráhy looking to buy electric units for up to EUR 350 million
Since September last year, ČD has issued tenders for new trains worth over EUR 3.3 bn.
Czech national carrier České dráhy is looking to buy up to 47 more new electric units for regional transport. The company announced a tender for EMU140 units, these are typically two-car units with a seating capacity of about 140. Unlike other tenders for new trains, ČD does not guarantee the purchase of a single unit.
According to available information, the framework contract will include complete maintenance of the units. The estimated price of the contract is EUR 350 million. The multi-system units with a maximum speed of 160 km/h are intended for regional transport. As with other new tenders, price is not the only criterion.
The Czech Republic has been undergoing a major modernization of its electric operations, mainly thanks to a contract for new RegioPanter (class 640 and 650) units between České dráhy and Škoda Transportation and a large order from the South Moravian Region.
This is another major tender for new trains announced by ČD in the last six months. Since September last year, the carrier has held four tenders for new electric trains worth a total of EUR 3.3 bn. All four contracts were signed as framework agreements with a minimum purchase obligation.
České dráhy is currently tendering for the delivery of dual-mode electric units (EUR 141 million, 15 units), EMU400 units for Prague’s public transport system (up to 90 units, EUR 1.7 billion), and 60 EMU350 units for speeds up to 200 km/h (EUR 1.3 billion).
Edited and translated by Lucie Trávníčková