The Czech State Fund for Transport Infrastructure (SFDI) will allocate nearly EUR 3 billion (CZK 72.2 billion) this year for the modernisation of rail infrastructure, marking a record level of investment compared with previous years.
Of the total amount, EUR 823 million (CZK 20 billion) will be spent on track maintenance, while the remaining EUR 2.2 billion will be directed towards rail modernisation and electrification projects, as well as the renovation of stations. Around EUR 31 million (CZK 750 million) will be allocated to projects aimed at improving safety at level crossings.
One of the priority projects is the construction of a 15 km railway line between Prague-Ruzyně and Kladno. This is the longest section of the Prague–Airport–Kladno project and will largely follow a new alignment, allowing trains to operate at speeds of up to 145 km/h thanks to straighter curves and electrification.
The Prague–Airport–Kladno rail project, managed by Správa železnic (SŽ), will be delivered under a PPP model and is estimated to cost EUR 1.65 billion. Covering a total length of 40 km, the project includes the doubling of the existing line between Praha-Veleslavín and Praha-Ruzyně, the construction of a new double-track extension directly to Václav Havel Airport Prague railway station, and a rail bypass providing a direct link between the airport and the main Prague–Kladno line. The project is expected to become operational between 2028 and 2030, with a target journey time of 25 minutes to the airport.
Other projects include the modernisation of the section from Plzeň via Nýřany to Chotěšov, which will form part of a modern line connecting western Bohemia with Bavaria, as well as the long-planned reconstruction of the Ostrava rail hub. This year will also see the repair of the last line damaged by the floods in autumn 2024, between Opava and Kravaře.
Work will also begin on the reconstruction of the heavily used Kolín–Kutná Hora section, where the Hlízov junction will remove conflicts between the main Prague–Moravia corridor and services towards Havlíčkův Brod. In addition, revitalisation and electrification works will start on the Nýřany–Heřmanova Huť line, while the section between Rudoltice and Lanškroun will be equipped with a new signalling system.
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