České dráhy to invest over EUR 1.3 bn in new electric units
The first new units are due in 2025.
České dráhy today announced the largest tender for new passenger trains in its history. The company is looking to buy up to 60 train units for speeds of up to 200 km/h. The estimated price of the framework contract is over EUR 1.3 billion.
ČD calls the units EMU 350, the capacity should be a minimum of 300 seats. The units will be at least a dual-system for power supply with 3 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz AC. They will be supplied with the GSM-R communication system and ETCS.
České dráhy will conclude a framework contract with the winner of the tender for the production of up to 60 units with the possibility of supplying spare parts and full-service maintenance. The first units should be delivered in 2025. Czech Railways has not specified on which lines it expects to use the units.
The renewal of fast trains is part of the company’s 2030 Strategy, under which it plans to invest EUR 4 billion in new rolling stock within a decade. It expects the new units to replace conventional locomotive trains and shorten turning times at terminal stations.
Edited and translated by Lucie Trávníčková