EBRD Backs High-Speed Rail in Czech Republic: Brno-Přerov

Czech Republic, May 16, 2024

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is driving forward the ambitious Brno-Přerov high-speed rail project in the Czech Republic, a crucial element of the broader Prague-Brno-Ostrava corridor. This initiative signals a significant investment in modernizing and expanding the nation’s railway infrastructure. This article will delve into the EBRD’s recent tender for consultancy services, the scope of the project, its key components, and the anticipated impact on the country’s transportation network. The focus will be on the technical, financial, and strategic aspects of this high-speed rail endeavor, exploring its potential to transform regional connectivity and economic development. The project promises enhanced capacity and speed, signifying a leap towards a more efficient and sustainable transport system for the Czech Republic.

Consultancy Services for a Transformative Project

The EBRD has issued a tender to select a consulting partner to support the transaction phase of the Brno-Přerov high-speed rail project. This pivotal step aims to secure expert guidance across various critical areas. The selected partner will provide comprehensive consultancy services encompassing technical, legal, financial, tax, and environmental-social aspects. The public procurement process, conducted in accordance with EBRD standards, will encompass the entire spectrum of required services, from initial planning to the final stages of project execution. This integrated approach will help ensure the project’s successful delivery, mitigating risks and optimizing outcomes.

Project Scope: A Modernization of Scale

The Brno–Přerov high-speed railway is a key component of the broader Prague–Brno–Ostrava corridor. The existing single-track line will be duplicated to dramatically increase capacity and enable high-speed trains to operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h. This modernization project will entail the construction of significant infrastructure elements, including 80 bridges and flyovers, six tunnels, and 28 overpasses, including footbridges for pedestrians and cyclists. The project also encompasses the reconstruction of 17 stations, with three stations in Brno. The entire line is divided into five sections, totalling 78 km, each meticulously planned to enhance efficiency and safety.

Strategic Partnerships and Sectional Development

The EBRD’s tender announcement followed the signing of an agreement with Správa železnic (Czech railway infrastructure manager) on April 24, 2024, concerning the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) high-speed rail project. This agreement specifically focuses on preparing the project scheme for the modernization of three sections of the railway line between Brno and Přerov. Furthermore, earlier in spring 2024, Správa železnic selected a consortium comprising Strabag Rail, Eurovia CZ, and Porr to modernize the 10 km Nezamyslice–Kojetín section under a contract worth EUR 267 million. Construction is slated to commence by the end of May, with completion targeted for 2028. This section will also feature the construction of a second track, further facilitating high-speed operations.

A Future-Proofed Railway Network

The Brno-Přerov high-speed rail project represents a significant leap forward in the modernization of the Czech Republic’s railway infrastructure. The EBRD’s involvement, through both financial support and the provision of expert consultancy services, highlights the importance of this project in the context of European infrastructure development. The project’s scale and scope, from the extensive construction of new infrastructure elements to the upgrade of existing stations, underscore the commitment to creating a modern and efficient railway network. The collaboration between Správa železnic and various private sector partners ensures a balanced approach to project delivery.

The successful execution of the Brno-Přerov project is expected to have a profound impact on regional connectivity, reducing travel times and enhancing the movement of both passengers and freight. Moreover, the project will contribute to the broader economic development of the region by improving access to employment opportunities and stimulating business activities. The emphasis on sustainability, reflected in the environmental and social considerations embedded in the project, further solidifies its long-term value. The ongoing construction of the Nezamyslice–Kojetín section, coupled with the tender for consultancy services, demonstrates the proactive approach being taken to ensure that the project is realized within the planned timelines, ultimately creating a railway network fit for the future.

Company Summary:

* **EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development):** An international financial institution that supports projects in developing countries, with a focus on promoting economic growth and development.
* **Správa železnic:** The Czech railway infrastructure manager, responsible for the maintenance, operation, and development of the national railway network.
* **Strabag Rail:** A construction company specializing in railway infrastructure projects.
* **Eurovia CZ:** A construction company involved in infrastructure projects, including rail.
* **Porr:** An Austrian construction company with experience in infrastructure projects.