(www.mdcr.cz) The study of possibilities and opportunities outlines over 630 kilometers of main and secondary corridors for planned highway and road connections between regional cities, upon completion of the basic highway network. Simultaneously, the first projects of the planned over 760 kilometers of high-speed railway lines will begin. Railway hubs in Prague and Brno will also be transformed. Inland waterways will also be utilized.
The Ministry of Transport has presented its vision for the development of transport infrastructure around the year 2050. This plan includes extensive projects focused on modernizing and expanding the highway and road network, constructing high-speed railways, and utilizing waterways for both freight and recreational purposes.
Development of the highway and road network after 2050
The study proposes expanding the highway and road network, which should significantly improve connectivity between regional cities and reduce traffic congestion in major urban areas such as Prague and Brno. Key projects under consideration include the Prague Ring Road, both in its closer and more distant sections, the connection along the route Pilsen – Pisek – Jihlava, or the South Moravian Corridor.
"The total length of the main corridors designated for further consideration is approximately 540 km, with estimated costs of 320 billion Czech crowns. These projects are designed not only to improve transport accessibility but also to contribute to the economic development of the regions. Within these corridors, an increase in the availability of alternative routes is expected, which will allow for a better distribution of traffic and reduce the risk of traffic jams," says Minister of Transport Martin Kupka.
Railways will become faster, and transport hubs in Prague and Brno will be transformed.
The Ministry of Transport plans to begin construction of high-speed railway lines that will connect major cities and regions with the European transport network. Key projects include the lines Prague – Brno – Ostrava – Katowice, Brno – Breclav – Vienna/Bratislava, or the line Prague – Ústí nad Labem – Dresden.
"The total length of the planned lines is 767 km, of which 484 km are already in the project phase. Construction of the first section of the line from Brno to Přerov will begin this year. These high-speed lines will be crucial for ensuring fast and efficient transport between cities and neighboring countries, which will contribute to economic growth and increase the competitiveness of the Czech Republic in the European market," adds Minister Martin Kupka.
The SPODEM Metropolitan Express
In January, the Central Commission of the Ministry of Transport selected the final version of the SPODEM Metropolitan Express project, which includes two separate tunnels under the center of Prague, each over 10 km long. These tunnels will primarily serve urban and suburban trains, while long-distance connections will primarily run on the surface. A central station will be created under the main railway station, where two underground platforms will be located for each route.
"The project also includes the construction of four additional stations in the center of Prague, specifically in Karlín, Florenc, Wenceslas Square, and Charles Square. The tunnels will be able to accommodate up to sixteen connections per hour in each direction, which will significantly increase the capacity and efficiency of urban transport. The total cost of this project is currently estimated at 185 billion Czech crowns," says Minister Martin Kupka.
Brno Railway Hub: As part of the comprehensive redevelopment of the Brno railway hub, a new main station will be built, a new transfer terminal will be created in Černovice, and the Brno-Židenice station will be moved closer to tram stops. The project's objectives were approved by the Central Commission of the Ministry of Transport in April 2024.
“This project addresses a new concept for the entire metropolitan hub to ensure sufficient capacity and reliability for both passenger and freight trains, including requirements for the integration of high-speed rail lines (HSR). The total cost of this project is currently estimated at 73 billion Czech crowns. Construction could begin in 2028, which will bring significant improvements for the residents of Brno and the surrounding areas,” adds Kupka.
Improved conditions on the Elbe River will benefit inland waterway transport. The plan also includes improving navigation conditions on the Elbe River and making the river navigable up to Pardubice. Key projects include the Děčín navigation lock, the navigation route to Pardubice, and the stabilization of the navigation channel in the Chvaletice port. The total cost of these projects is estimated to be tens of billions of Czech crowns.
“Improving navigation conditions on the Elbe River is crucial for ensuring reliable year-round navigation and increasing the guaranteed draft. These projects are designed to improve inland waterway transport and contribute to the economic development of the region,” adds Minister of Transport Martin Kupka.
The navigation route to Pardubice includes stabilizing the navigation channel in the Chvaletice port and increasing the draft in the Přelouč – Pardubice section. The Děčín navigation lock will increase the guaranteed draft from the state border to Boletice near Děčín to a value of 140 cm for 345 days in an average year, and to 220 cm for 180 days in an average year. The implementation of all transport infrastructure projects will require not only financial investments but also the effort and cooperation of all stakeholders. The Ministry of Transport will continue to engage in dialogue with the public and experts to ensure the gradual implementation of all projects within the transport vision 2050.
Minister of Transport
Deputy Chairman of the ODS party
Member of the Czech Parliament
ods.cz/gnews.cz-jav
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