A project to install a double-track railway line between the town of Votice in central Czechia and the village of Sudoměřice in the south of the country, will reduce travel times while increasing comfort and safety for passengers. The modernisation includes a major re-routing of the railway line. International travellers will benefit from the upgrade as the line forms part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) rail corridor linking Germany, Czechia and other central European countries.
- 01 June 2021
The modernisation of this important corridor will shorten the travel time between České Budějovice and Prague from 2 hours 50 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes.
Construction takes place on a section of the line that forms part of Rail Corridor IV, which takes in Děčín near the state border with Germany, then on to the cities of Prague and České Budějovice before terminating at Horní Dvořiště on the Austrian border. The modernised Sudoměřice-Votice section – covered by this project – is between Czechia’s capital Prague and České Budějovice.
Comprehensive scheme
Along with the laying of track, construction works include a new railway station at Červený Újezd and the installation of platforms along the route for new stops at Mezno, Střezimíř, Červený Újezd, Ješetice and Heřmaničky.
Increased traffic safety is provided by establishing the new station and the installation of line signaling equipment connected to neighbouring stations. The safety of passengers is enhanced by the construction of new platforms with barrier-free access, which are accessed by new underpasses or existing bridges and walkways.
A new switching station near Heřmaničky is part of the project, as is a service building in the Červený Újezd railway station. A traction line is being built on the existing abandoned line. In addition, various existing roads are being modified or relocated.
Noise barriers are being erected in areas near train stops and in the village of Mezno, near the villages Radíč, Jiříkovec, and Heřmaničky, and in the locality of Strašíkův Mlýn. In places where it is not possible to build these walls, individual noise protection measures are proposed.
Delivering major benefits
Track improvements will increase train speeds up to 160 km/h. Shortening journey times should encourage more people to leave their cars at home and use the train, taking pressure off the I/3 road and the D3 highway between Prague and České Budějovice.
The installation of modern equipment and technologies further increases safety. Due to the transfer of the track to the new route, all existing level crossings are being eliminated, which will prevent collision with road vehicles.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Modernisation of the Sudoměřice-Votice Line” is EUR 255 326 016, with the EU’s Cohesion Fund contributing EUR 202 746 729 through the “Transport” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Transport and energy networks”.