Czech railways have awarded Sudop Praha and Moravia Consult Olomouc the responsibility of creating documentation for a joint permit aimed at modernizing the Veleslavín to Ruzyně track section. The documentation for this crucial project is anticipated to cost approximately CZK 212 million, contributing to a total project cost of nearly CZK 10 billion. The expected timeline entails commencing work towards the end of 2026 and completing the project within three years.

Forming part of the broader modernization initiative encompassing the Prague-Masaryk Railway Station to Kladno route, the Veleslavín to Ruzyně track section will witness the development of redesigned stations and the introduction of a new stop, Praha-Liboc. The project’s scope includes the installation of fresh electric lines and the construction of two tracks, facilitating shorter intervals between trains and aiming to enhance operational safety while enabling higher track speeds through the elimination of crossings.

The selected design firm will undertake the preparation of shared permit documentation. The construction phase will initiate at the Prague-Veleslavín underground station, a pivotal transfer hub for metro and other public transport connections. This station’s design emerged victorious from an international architectural competition.

The forthcoming Praha-Liboc stop will find its location between Brodecká Street and U Prioru Street. The ultimate station at the Ruzyně terminus will shift to the opposite side of Drnovská Street, streamlining passenger transfers between Kladno-bound trains and those heading to the airport.

The comprehensive railway modernization venture extending from Prague to Kladno, incorporating a link to Vaclav Havel Airport, encompasses over a dozen subprojects. The overall expenditure for this initiative is estimated to approximate CZK 50 billion, as stated by Czech Railways CEO Jiří Svoboda. This figure has evolved from Svoboda’s earlier estimate of CZK 43 billion in 2019.

Significant progress has already been made in several aspects of the modernization strategy. The reconstruction of the Negrelli Viaduct took place from 2017 to 2020, and track refurbishment between Kladno and Kladno-Ostrovec was launched last year. Early this year, the reconstruction of the section connecting Prague’s Bubny and Výstavištěm stations commenced.

Czech Railways plans to initiate tenders this year for the Ruzyně to Kladno construction and the modernization of Prague Masaryk Railway Station. Work will subsequently proceed on the section between Prague-Ruzyně and Vaclav Havel Airport, incorporating a new station directly at the airport. A reconstruction project targeting three segments between the new Praha-Výstaviště stop and the Prague-Ruzyně station is slated for 2025.

Ultimately, these modernization efforts will facilitate a seamless connection between the airport and Kladno. Jiří Svoboda expressed optimism, stating, “I believe we will ride to Vaclav Havel Airport from Prague in this decade.”

Article by Prague Forum