Hradec Králové station modernization gets EUR 405 million deal

Hradec Králové station modernization is moving ahead. Správa železnic has signed a EUR 405 million contract. It covers work at one of the Czech Republic’s main rail hubs.

It awarded the contract to OHLA ŽS, Subterra, and Elektrizace železnic Praha. This is stated in Správa železnic’s press release. Up to about EUR 354.5 million will come from the European Union. Meanwhile, the remaining funding will be provided by the State Fund for Transport Infrastructure.

Hradec Králové station modernization funding and project scope

The project is being co-financed by the European Union. The funding comes through the Cohesion Fund under the Transport Program 2021–2027. The formal title appears on the Transport Programme 2021–2027 project page. It is “Modernization of the Hradec Králové – Pardubice – Chrudim Line, Phase II; Doubling of the Opatovice nad Labem – Hradec Králové Line, Phase I – Hradec Králové Station”.

“The European Union is making a long-term investment in the Czech railways. This not only improves quality and passenger comfort but also enhances the rail network’s connectivity to major transport hubs, which directly contributes to the competitiveness of regions and cities. The modernization of the main station in Hradec Králové is an excellent example of an investment with a positive impact on the entire region,” said Václav Lebeda, spokesperson for the European Commission Representation in the Czech Republic.

Work is expected to be completed in 2031. By then, passengers are due to gain a new platform. They are also due to gain barrier-free access and upgraded station facilities.

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Station upgrades, ETCS system, and intermodal connectivity

The station modernisation will cover tracks, switches, and the existing platforms. A new platform will also be added. All platforms will be fully accessible for people with reduced mobility. They will also be fitted with modern furnishings, clear passenger information, and wayfinding systems. Elevators and escalators leading to the platforms will be installed in the renovated underground passages.

Public transport stops and a bus terminal are already located next to the station. Intermodal connectivity will also improve. In addition, the project includes a park-and-ride facility and two bicycle towers.

The reconstruction will also remove at-grade crossings. Pedestrians and cyclists will use a new underground passage. Separately, the ETCS system will strengthen traffic safety. It will allow trains to travel at up to 80 km/h in the station area.

“The modernization will bring not only faster but also quieter rail traffic. Currently, this important hub is served only by single-track lines, but we are preparing to double-track four of them. Consequently, we will adapt the station’s infrastructure and modernize the remaining level crossings,” said Tomáš Tóth, head of the railway administration.

Hradec Králové as a key Czech rail hub

Hradec Králové, a key hub on the Czech network

“The Czech railways are entering a period of intensive modernization. In East Bohemia alone, we are modernizing the railway hub in Česká Třebová, and an equally important project is now beginning in Hradec Králové. “This is where multiple modes of transport converge, with lines coming together from five directions, and thanks to investments in the region, we expect the station’s importance to grow significantly in the future,” said Transport Minister Ivan Bednárik.

Once the project is completed, trains will pass through the station at higher speeds. Also, the ETCS installation is expected to improve rail traffic safety. The removal of several level crossings is also expected to improve rail traffic safety.

Hradec Králové station is among the busiest in the Czech Republic. Around 20,000 passengers use it each day. More than 200 trains serve the station, as RailwayPro reported.

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