By rosebell
In order to advancing transport infrastructure in the capital city, Czech Republic’s Ministry of Transport and Správa Železnic (SŽ) have unveiled plans to build two underground railway tunnels in Prague.
The responsibility of the operation, maintenance, and modernisation of the railway network in the Czech Republic is up to SŽ.
With 10.6km length, these two tunnels are set to boost Prague’s train capacity, decongest public transport, and integrate regional connectivity.
While the first tunnel is going to run north-to-south, commencing at a new partially covered station at the Florenc metro interchange, connecting to the junction near Smíchov and Vršovice, the second, northeast-to-southwest tunnel will run from a new underground station at Karlín to Smíchov, with stops at Václavské náměstí and Karolovo náměstí.
With the aim of facilitating train transfers and reducing congestion in the city centre, both tunnels are due to meet at a two-storey underground interchange beneath Prague Hlavní nádraží.
Enhancing passenger movement and operational efficiency, each tunnel will accommodate 16 trains per hour per direction.
The scheduled date for completion of this project that is part of the Czech Republic’s most ambitious rail investments, with an estimated cost of CZK185bn ($7.7bn), is 2047.
According to Prague transport head Zdeněk Hřib: “The rail tunnels will not only boost train capacity but also relieve overcrowding on metro, tram, and bus routes. The project brings new rail capacities right in the city centre, including several stops that will shorten the walking distance for passengers.The result will not only be a higher attractiveness of rail transport but also the relief of the busiest public transport sections in the centre. The enhanced railway will also attract some traffic from the roads.”
The advantages of this project would be decreasing the congestion of Prague’s public transport system, improving train connectivity, enhancing travel times, as well as providing sustainable alternatives to road-based travel.
The new underground stations will be strategically positioned to reduce walking distances and improve passenger access.
While boosting the connection between the new tunnels and Prague’s metro will be up to Florenc Metro Interchange, Karlín Station will serve the northeast-to-southwest corridor.
Additionally, Václavské náměstí and Karolovo náměstí will enhance access to key commercial and cultural districts, and Smíchov Station will facilitate regional and long-distance travel.
The 2035 is determined date for commencing tunneling works and they will be completed in 2047.
Prague’s transport authorities would finalise construction plans, secure funding and approvals, conduct environmental studies, and collaborate with European transport networks.
Praha deputy mayor Petr Hlaváček said: “The biggest transport problem in Praha is not transport in Praha itself, but in the metropolitan region. Praha’s modal split is highly in favour of public transport, but what is crushing Praha is regional transport, where the supply and capacity are insufficient.”
SŽ construction planning department director Pavel Paidar said: “The new routes will help separate long-distance and regional transport. This will maintain the comfort of travel, while also having a minimal impact on the environment.”
