Think Railways

The European Commission adopted last week the 2014-2020 Operational Programme for “Transport” in the Czech Republic, for the improvement of transport infrastructures across the country. Almost EUR 2.4 billion (51% of the budget) will be invested in infrastructure for railway and other modes of sustainable transport.

With a total budget of €5.4 billion, with €4.7 billion from the Cohesion Fund and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the programme aims to upgrade the existing road and railway infrastructure and to develop adequate and sustainable transport networks in the country. It will be a key tool to implement national transport strategies. More than €1 billion is planned to be used for green and sustainable transport modes.

Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Crețu said: "The key strategic transport links that will be developed thanks to European funding will link the regions in the Czech Republic with each other but also with the Trans-European Network that crosses the European continent. This will make them more accessible and attractive for business and investment. The Czech citizens will also benefit from safer, greener and more sustainable transport. "

In the railway sector, some of the expected impacts include:

• 140km of reconstructed or upgraded railway lines
• 8km of new or upgraded metro or tram lines
• 140 new or upgraded mobile rail assets

First calls for proposals under the programmes are expected in the course of 2015.