The Czech Railway Administration (Správa železnic – SŽ) has officially commenced the modernisation of Česká Třebová, one of the busiest railway hubs in the Czech Republic. The project will see a complete reconstruction of both passenger and freight transport infrastructure, with all platforms being renovated and made fully accessible. A new footbridge will also improve connectivity within the city. The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2031.
Česká Třebová is a key railway junction in Central Europe, with up to 500 trains passing through daily. “Investments in transport are one of the priorities of our government, which is why I am pleased that we are continuing the trend of accelerating the railway, which we see as key to transforming the Czech Republic into a modern country open to new challenges and opportunities. We are now launching one of the largest railway construction projects in the era of the independent Czech Republic. The modernization of the Česká Třebová junction is significant in the context of the whole of Europe, because it is an important crossroads for international trains. Last but not least, the project will contribute to better comfort and safety for passengers,” said Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
The station’s last major renovation was in the 1950s. The modernisation will involve upgrading nearly 72 kilometres of tracks, replacing tens of kilometres of overhead lines, and reconstructing 30 bridges and 173 switches. Overpasses connecting the freight area to the main line will also be refurbished.
“The station and the adjacent city historically form one whole, so it is good news for local residents that the impacts from train operations will be much smaller than before, thanks to noise barriers and noise absorbers. Trains will accelerate from 60 to 80 km/h when passing through the station itself,” said Minister of Transport Martin Kupka.
A new information system will be installed across the station, and platform renovations will improve accessibility, including a raised platform height for easier boarding. The existing underpass will be extended beneath the tracks to improve access, while a modern steel footbridge will replace an outdated underpass, enhancing connectivity with Semanínská Street. “Thanks to its extension under the entire track, access to the area behind the station will be improved. The station area will then be connected to Semanínská Street by a modern steel footbridge instead of the unsuitable underpass,” said Jiří Svoboda, General Director of the Railway Administration.
Preparatory work will begin this year, including tree felling, dismantling selected tracks, and installing temporary safety equipment. Construction of the new steel footbridge is set to be completed by mid-2026. The most significant impact on passengers will come with the modernisation of the passenger station tracks, platforms, and underpass, which will be fully operational by 2028.
The project is being carried out by EUROVIA CZ, Chládek & Tintěra (Pardubice), STRABAG Rail, and Elektrizace železnic Praha, with a total investment of CZK 19.5 billion.
The European Union has approved co-financing for the project through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), with eligible costs of CZK 8.35 billion. The EU will cover 85% of these costs, providing a subsidy of up to EUR 290 million (approximately CZK 7 billion)—the largest grant received from the CEF programme to date. The remaining funding will come from the State Transport Infrastructure Fund.
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