Czech Republic looking to electrify more lines without major modernization
The plans concern lines where diesel fast trains operate.
The Czech Ministry of Transport is considering the electrification of some lines which will be more economical than the current modifications of Czech railroads. It has begun preparing materials for simple electrification. This would mean installing overhead lines without major modernization of the line itself which would allow electric trains to operate.
The materials are being prepared and should be ready in February. The study will primarily concern lines currently used by diesel fast trains. Contracts with carriers expire in 2026 and it is unclear what trains will run on the lines after that. Electrification would solve this problem.
Faster electrification without complicated permits
Specifically, the Prague – Příbram – České Budějovice, Plzeň – Žatec, Olomouc – Krnov – Opava, Kralupy nad Vltavou – Kladno (including the branch line Jeneček – Středokluky), Havlíčkův Brod – Ždírec nad Doubravou lines are concerned. As follows from the materials, the Hradec Králové and Liberec regions could experience the greatest transformation. The study will deal with the electrification of the lines from Liberec to Děčín and Jaroměř, from Jaroměř to Trutnov, and from Nymburk to Česká Lípa.
In some cases, electrification is proposed for only parts of sections to allow for battery trains to operate. In the long run, electrification of entire lines will be considered after an assessment.
Edited and translated by Lucie Trávníčková