České dráhy, Siemens Vectron: High-Speed Rail Across Central Europe

Czech Railways launches trial runs of new Siemens Vectron **locomotives**, hitting 230 km/h. This improves **rail** connections across Central Europe from December.

České dráhy, Siemens Vectron: High-Speed Rail Across Central Europe
September 30, 2025 9:54 am
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Introduction

České dráhy (Czech Railways) has commenced trial operations of its new Siemens Vectron locomotives, which are capable of reaching speeds of 230 km/h. The first locomotive entered service on 24 September, leading train R 885 Slovácký Express from Prague’s main station at 07:01.

Initial Trial Operations

A total of eight Siemens Vectron locomotives will be utilized in the initial trial phase. During testing, the locomotives will operate on the R18 route between Prague and Staré Město near Uherské Hradiště. Each locomotive is expected to cover nearly 1,000 kilometers daily. The trial service will run on the R18 line between Prague and Staré Město.

Future Deployment

Michal Krapinec, Chairman of the Board and CEO of České dráhy, stated that from the new timetable in mid-December, once all approvals and certifications are in place, the new Vectrons will begin operating on services to Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Testing in Austria

Later this autumn, the Siemens Vectrons will undergo testing in Austria, including on the new Koralmbahn line, where they will demonstrate their maximum speed of 230 km/h.

Locomotive Production and Contract Details

Currently, eight high-speed Siemens Vectron locomotives are based in the Czech Republic. By the end of 2025, an additional 20 units will be delivered, with production increasing to four locomotives per month from January 2026 at Siemens’ Munich-Allach plant. České dráhy signed a contract with Siemens Mobility in 2022 for the supply of 50 multi-system Vectron MS locomotives. The agreement also includes a 15-year service package, which provides maintenance support.

Last June 2025, we published an article about Renfe’s cutting-edge Aranjuez maintenance hub. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

Conclusion

The Siemens Vectron has become one of Europe’s most widely adopted electric locomotives, with more than 2,290 units ordered worldwide as of July 2025. With the addition of the Vectrons, České dráhy aims to strengthen its international services and fleet modernization, thereby supporting faster and more efficient rail connections across Central Europe.

Company Summary

České dráhy (Czech Railways): The national railway operator of the Czech Republic.

Siemens Mobility: A division of Siemens, a company that provides transportation solutions, including rolling stock, infrastructure, and related services.

Technology

Siemens Vectron: A multi-system electric locomotive.

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