In a significant move to upgrade its aging fleet, Czech Railways (České dráhy) has secured a €300 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB). This substantial investment, equivalent to 7.61 billion Czech crowns, marks a crucial step in the company’s ambitious modernization plans.
The loan will facilitate the purchase of 180 passenger carriages and 20 electric locomotives, breathing new life into the national rail network. Additionally, Czech Railways plans to modernize 219 existing carriages, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to fleet improvement.
Lukáš Svoboda, a board member and Deputy CEO for Economy and Procurement at Czech Railways, highlighted these funds’ strategic use. “We’re primarily focusing on enhancing the quality of long-distance transport,” he stated. The investment will bring state-of-the-art ComfortJet trains to routes connecting Prague with Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Moreover, it will support the implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) in more vehicles, significantly boosting safety and efficiency.
This loan is part of a broader, long-term collaboration between Czech Railways and the EIB. Last year alone, the bank allocated 880 million euros to Czech railway projects, underlining its commitment to modernizing the country’s rail infrastructure.
The investment comes at a crucial time for Czech Railways. With a current fleet of around 1,800 passenger carriages and nearly 2,000 locomotives averaging 23.5 years in age, this injection of funds promises to rejuvenate the nation’s rail services. Over the next decade, the railway operator plans to invest over 160 billion crowns in fleet modernization, signaling a new era for Czech public transportation.
As the European Investment Bank continues to support sustainable and efficient transport solutions across the EU, this loan to Czech Railways exemplifies its commitment to enhancing connectivity and promoting environmentally friendly travel options.