The Prague-Linz railway is emerging as a vital link for enhancing transport between the Czech Republic and Austria, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Prague-Linz railway corridor
Photo: ÖBB

This railway corridor is set to provide a faster, more efficient route for both passenger and freight transport. Czech rail infrastructure manager Správa železnic and Austria’s ÖBB-Infrastruktur have signed a new agreement to modernize the line and assess its full potential.

Train power systems from Rolls-Royce at InnoTrans 2024

Enhancing the Prague-Linz Railway

The focus on the Prague-Linz railway comes as both countries seek to improve cross-border connections. The goal is to shorten travel times and increase capacity for cargo transportation. Initial studies show that by upgrading the railway infrastructure, travel time between the two cities could be reduced to as little as two and a half hours. Current upgrades on the Prague–České Budějovice section of the line have already shortened travel time significantly. However, further improvements are essential to fully unlock the potential of this route.

Key to Freight and Passenger Transport

This corridor is not only important for passengers but also for freight, particularly for shipments heading to southern and western Europe. With the new upgrades, the Prague-Linz railway will serve as a critical alternative to the heavily congested Děčín–Bad Schandau route. Freight operators will benefit from faster and more reliable connections, reducing delays and improving supply chain efficiency.

The collaboration between Czech and Austrian rail operators highlights the strategic importance of this corridor. By the end of 2025, further results from the market studies will help guide future development, ensuring that the Prague-Linz railway becomes a key part of Europe’s transport network.

This route has the potential to integrate smoothly into the broader European rail system, contributing to sustainable and eco-friendly transport across the continent.

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