Strengthening Rail Connections from Munich to Prague
Modernizing the Munich-Prague Railway Line: New Trains Coming in 2031
The Munich-Prague railway line, a significant part of Bavarian-Czech rail traffic, is set for a major upgrade. After a previous tender failed, a new approach is being taken to modernize the line, with the deployment of new trains planned from the end of 2031.
The joint tender, issued by the Bavarian Railway Company and the Czech Ministry of Transport, aims to improve service quality on the approximately 440-kilometer cross-border route. The new rolling stock is expected to contribute to a more reliable and modern service, addressing the operational and technical difficulties that have plagued the line.
The modernization effort is a collaborative project between Bavaria and the Czech Republic. While specific funding amounts are not yet detailed, the cooperation indicates coordinated funding and investment efforts. The joint tender process to secure the new trains suggests shared financial planning.
The new trains will bring changes to shunting procedures, personnel requirements, and catering savings. The direct connection between Munich and Prague will remain the backbone of Bavarian-Czech rail traffic, but other German metropolises will already be better connected to Prague from next year.
From Prague, there will be a direct connection to Copenhagen from May next year, with stops in Dresden, Berlin, and Hamburg. This development underscores the need for a long-term and passenger-oriented perspective for the Munich-Prague railway line.
Bavaria's Transport Minister, Christian Bernreiter (CSU), stated that they have been working intensively on a new approach for the Munich-Prague railway line. Both countries involved in the line are hoping for EU funding for its modernization efforts.
The connection between Munich and Prague is currently operated by the state railway on the Bavarian side and the Czech national railway on the Czech side. The technical prerequisites on the line are challenging due to the need for trains to pass non-electrified sections and be designed for three different power systems when passing overhead lines.
Despite these challenges, the modernization of the Munich-Prague railway line is a step towards enhancing cross-border transport and fostering closer ties between Germany and the Czech Republic.
[1] Bavarian Railway Company Press Release [2] Czech Ministry of Transport Press Release [3] Deutsche Welle Article [4] Railway Gazette International Article
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