One of the main topics of the FOR ARCH construction fair conference in Letňany was the preparation of high-speed lines (VRT). It was discussed by representatives of ministries, the Railway Administration and experts from construction and design companies. According to the CEEC Research survey, which was part of the Quarterly Analysis of the Czech Construction Industry Q3/2024, more than half of the project companies expressed interest in getting involved in the construction of VRT.
The VRT is to connect Prague, Brno, Ostrava and other cities with Europe. The project promises faster transport and reduced environmental burden, which brings growth potential for Czech companies. "It is a project that will bring the Czech Republic significantly closer to developed European countries where VRTs are already in operation in the area of passenger transport. The speed, comfort and, above all, the capacity of transporting the population are indisputable. From the point of view of construction and project companies, this is undoubtedly a very interesting reservoir of work in the long term. It is good that there are enough companies in the Czech Republic with the necessary know-how to deal with both the design and construction of these lines,," he said. Michal Vacek, Director of CEEC Research.
Minister for Transport Martin Kupka announced that the construction of the section between Brno and Přerov will start next year. Other sections will follow. "The construction of the first section of the fast connections between Brno and Přerov will start next year. Work on the section between Brno and Breclav will start in 2026, and the Moravská brána section in 2028 at the latest."
Managing Director of SUDOP GROUP Tomas Slavicek highlighted the progress in the preparations and expected the approval process to be challenging due to comments from the public and stakeholders.
According to the survey, 56 % project companies plan to participate, while 44 % are hesitant. Among construction firms, 34 % have decided to participate, while another 11 % are considering participation.
Jiří Svoboda, Director General of the Railway Administration, said that the project is progressing fastest in Moravia. Steps such as property settlement and technical documentation in accordance with the new construction law are also being prepared. "The high-speed lines project, as its preparation moves forward step by step, is the subject of increasing interest not only to those directly concerned but also to the general public. We are trying to work with this and are organising meetings at various levels to ensure that the selected routes break through in the various regions. The VRT project is ambitious and complex, but we are approaching it with humility. At the moment, we are the furthest along in our preparations in Moravia, where we are approaching the first implemented "borehole"."
The majority of designers and construction companies are positive about PPP financing because they expect faster implementation and higher quality thanks to the involvement of the private sector.
Detailed survey results are available at www.ceec.eu.
(per) / CEEC Research / gnews.cz_07
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