The extensive reconstruction of the railway corridor connecting Plzeň central station to Koterov on the city’s outskirts has successfully concluded, representing a substantial investment of over two billion Czech koruna. This strategic modernization of the main track towards České Budějovice is a significant step forward in enhancing the country’s railway infrastructure.

The reconstruction effort spanned almost three years, commencing in November 2020, and focused on a critical four-kilometer section of the Plzeň route. The transformation has resulted in the creation of a double-track railway, enabling trains to attain speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, an improvement from the previous limit of 100 kilometers per hour. One of the notable aspects of this project is the establishment of a new station in the Slovany district, complete with a pedestrian footbridge spanning the tracks, along with the subsequent closure of the smaller Koterov station.

“The track is now more capacity-efficient, and the Slovany stop has replaced Koterov, where the station was inconveniently located,” stated Jiří Svoboda, the CEO of the Railway Administration. This shift is significant in ensuring improved accessibility, given that Koterov is located on the outskirts, whereas the new platforms in Slovany are in close proximity to the town hall and public transportation lines.

This endeavor also involved the construction of two underground concrete structures to prepare for a forthcoming road tunnel that is part of the planned eastern ring road. The tunnel construction, which is expected to commence at a later date, is scheduled for completion in 2034 and aims to mitigate potential disruptions to the railway track.

The overall investment in the corridor amounted to 2.2 billion Czech koruna, with significant financial contributions from the Road and Motorway Directorate (870 million), the city (50 million), and EU grants (1.2 billion). The minimal increase in costs compared to the winning bid indicates cost-effectiveness.

While the reconstruction of the southern section of the corridor, leading towards Nepomuk and Horažďovice-suburb station, was initially slated to commence in autumn 2023, specific timelines have not been confirmed, with ongoing preparations underway.

In the grander scheme of modernizing Czech railways, the route from Plzeň to Domažlice, onward to the state border with Germany, remains a priority, signifying the nation’s commitment to enhancing its rail network for the benefit of transportation and connectivity.

Article by Prague Forum