Czech Republic Announces Largest Tender for Electric Trains Worth $3.3 Billion

The Czech Republic has announced the largest tender in its history for the purchase of 133 electric trains along with long-term maintenance, with a total value of $3.3 billion. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The national railway operator České dráhy (ČD) has initiated a framework contract that includes the supply of dual-system electric trains up to 106 meters long, capable of speeds up to 160 km/h.

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Each train must offer at least 380 seats across first and second classes.

The firm part of the contract covers 66 trains with 15 years of maintenance.

The remaining 67 trains will be procured as needed.

The project will be partially financed through European Union structural funds.

Deliveries of the new trains are scheduled to begin at the end of 2029.

They are intended to replace the aging double-decker CityElefant trains, manufactured by Skoda Group between 1997 and 2013.

Czech Republic Modernizes Its Railway Fleet

At the end of 2024, Skoda Group completed a major contract with ČD, delivering 110 RegioPanter platform trains, including four battery-powered units.

These trains meet the new tender’s criteria, including dual-system compatibility and high-speed capability.

ČD aims to modernize its rolling stock, improve passenger service quality, and increase energy efficiency in transportation.

Czech Republic Invests in Railway Infrastructure Development

Alongside rolling stock upgrades, the Czech Republic is investing heavily in railway infrastructure modernization.

In 2022, around $2.5 billion (53 billion CZK) was allocated for these initiatives.

These investments are targeted at enhancing safety, improving service standards, and aligning with modern European regulations.

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