Czech railway operator České dráhy (ČD) has secured CZK 4 billion (EUR 161 million) in financing from Eurofima for the acquisition of 94 regional trains to operate on both electrified and non-electrified lines. The nine-year loan will support the modernisation of regional rail services across the Czech Republic.
The first tranche of the financing was disbursed on 20 July 2026, marking the first drawdown under the framework agreement signed between Eurofima and České dráhy in June 2024.
The funding will finance the purchase of 84 RegioFox DMUs, manufactured by Pesa, and 10 RegioPanter BEMUs, built by Škoda Group. The new fleet has been selected to operate efficiently on both electrified and non-electrified routes, combining modern diesel technology with battery-powered traction to deliver more reliable and efficient regional services.
According to Eurofima, investment in regional rail transport must take into account both the existing infrastructure and long-term decarbonisation goals.
“Investments in regional rail transport must reflect the infrastructure available today while supporting the gradual transition to low-emission operations. Long-term financing plays a key role in modernising rolling stock at a pace aligned with operational needs and investment cycles. This first tranche demonstrates how our partnership with České dráhy is being translated into tangible investments in regional mobility,” said Christoph Pasternak, CEO of Eurofima.
The two-car RegioFox diesel multiple units are equipped with the latest-generation diesel engines and will operate on regional routes in several parts of the Czech Republic where overhead electrification is not available.
The RegioPanter battery-electric multiple units can operate under both 3 kV DC and 25 kV AC electrified networks and are fitted with lithium-titanate oxide (LTO) batteries. They offer a battery range of up to 80 km and recharge while running on electrified sections of the network.
The new battery-electric trains will enter service in the Moravian-Silesian Region, enabling zero direct CO₂ emissions on non-electrified routes.
Through this financing, Eurofima continues to support long-term investment in rolling stock, helping to strengthen regional connectivity and advance the transition towards a lower-emission European railway system.
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