Renovated South Moravian Railway Service in Czechia Is Now Open for Passengers

The European Commission has announced the inauguration and opening of the renovated railway service in South Moravia calling it a significant development for the region of Czechia that was made through the Cohesion Policy.

In a statement issued on June 22, the same authority stated that adding 37 new electric units to the railway line would undoubtedly positively impact the congestion issues during peak hours.

By introducing these new units, the capacity of the South-Moravian railway will be enhanced, allowing for a smoother and more efficient transportation experience for the about 22 million passengers who rely on this railway each year.

“The new railway units will provide efficient rail services and contribute to making the European Green Deal a reality. I am happy that this project is being inaugurated today and will now concretely improve the life of Czech citizens on South Moravia,” the Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said on Friday.

The project, which was approved in December 2019, received €223 million of funding from the Cohesion Policy during the 2014-2020 programming period.

According to EU Commission, this funding significantly contributed to the project’s overall budget of €265 million.

The introduction of modern rolling stock brings numerous benefits. Passengers can expect enhanced comfort, improved amenities, and better safety features. The new rolling stock will likely offer advanced technologies contributing to a more efficient and reliable railway system.

The EU Commission further reveals that introducing new electric and energy-efficient trains with over 10,000 seats is a significant upgrade for the railway system in South Moravia. Replacing obsolete and old vehicles with modern trains will undoubtedly improve the overall travel experience for passengers.

The new trains offer more comfortable journeys and prioritise safety and speed. Installing a modern European ETCS train security system is a commendable addition. This system enhances safety measures and ensures higher security during train operations. With the capability to reach up to 160 km/h speeds, the new trains will contribute to faster travel times on the railway lines.

Moreover, the Commission pointed out that Czechia has benefited from significant funding of €25.7 billion during the 2014-2020 programming period.

The renovation of the railway, which the Transport Operational Programme has financed, is a testament to the utilisation of Cohesion Policy funds for enhancing transportation infrastructure in the country. The funding from the Cohesion Fund (€3.5 billion) and the European Regional Development Fund (€900 million) demonstrates the commitment to supporting sustainable and efficient mobility solutions.

As the EU Commission explains, it’s promising to know that Czechia has access to €21 billion of Cohesion Policy funding for the 2021-2027 programming period. This funding will play a crucial role in implementing joint EU priorities, such as balanced territorial development, a fair climate, and digital transition.

The new Transport program in Czechia, with a budget of over €4.8 billion, is an essential commitment to improving the transport infrastructure in the country. The availability of €800 million from the Cohesion Fund specifically for sustainable urban mobility demonstrates a strong focus on addressing the transportation needs and challenges urban areas face.