Czechia’s Kojetín-Přerov HSR Upgrade: Rail Infrastructure Innovations

Introduction

Správa železnic has awarded a CZK 10.5 billion (EUR 427.5 million) contract to a consortium for the upgrade of the Kojetín – Přerov railway, enabling high-speed train operations up to 200 km/h. Construction is scheduled to begin this August, with completion expected by the end of 2028.

Project Scope and Funding

The project involves the full modernization and double-tracking of the 17 km section between Kojetín and Přerov, increasing the current line speed of 100 km/h to 200 km/h. The ETCS installation is included in the project, co-financed by the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) with a grant of EUR 5.26 million. The remainder of the funding will be provided by the State Transport Infrastructure Fund.

Infrastructure Upgrades

The upgrades include rebuilding Kojetín and Chropyně stations with modern station buildings, new car parks, and fully accessible underpasses. The current Věžky station will be replaced by a new stop of the same name, and a new junction near Bochoř will be built for greater operational flexibility. All 14 level crossings along the route will be removed and replaced with overpasses or underpasses, and a new 120-metre bridge will be constructed over the River Morava in Kojetín.

Strategic Significance and Network Integration

The Kojetín – Přerov railway is part of the 78 km Brno–Přerov main line, which is on Czechia’s strategic railway corridor no. 1. In March, Správa železnic awarded a EUR 267 million contract for the modernization of the 10 km Nezamyslice – Kojetín section, also designed for speeds of up to 200 km/h. Construction work on this stretch began in May in the Olomouc Region.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Future Network Development

Czechia is utilizing public–private partnership (PPP) models for its planned high-speed rail network, projected to span over 780 km and cost in excess of CZK 800 billion (EUR 32.5 billion). The most advanced PPP initiative is the Brno–Přerov high-speed line, a crucial section of the future HSR corridor connecting Brno to Ostrava. A private partner will design, finance, build, operate, and maintain the infrastructure for 25 years. Another key PPP project is the upgrade and construction of the Prague–Václav Havel Airport–Kladno rail connection, with a total estimated cost of EUR 1.6 billion, supported by the EIB with EUR 700 million in financing. The EIB is also providing technical advisory support over a 27-month period for several major projects, including the Prague–Airport–Kladno line and the Moravian corridor between Brno and Ostrava. The IFC is serving as a transaction advisor for a PPP covering the high-speed section between Brodek u Přerova and Ostrava–Svinov.

Conclusion

Správa železnic has contracted a consortium for the upgrade of the Kojetín – Přerov railway, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028. Czechia is employing PPP models for its high-speed rail network expansion, with the EIB and IFC providing support.

Company Summary

Správa železnic: Is receiving advisory support on the development of this network from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Subterra: A member of the consortium awarded the contract.

OHLA ŽS: A member of the consortium awarded the contract.

Swietelsky Rail: A member of the consortium awarded the contract.

Elektrizace železnic Praha: A member of the consortium awarded the contract.

Firesta-Fišer: A member of the consortium awarded the contract.

European Investment Bank (EIB): Is providing technical advisory support over a 27-month period for several major projects, including the Prague–Airport–Kladno line and the Moravian corridor between Brno and Ostrava. Also, supported the upgrade and construction of the Prague–Václav Havel Airport–Kladno rail connection.

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD): Supporting the development of the PPP model.

International Finance Corporation (IFC): Serving as a transaction advisor for a PPP covering the high-speed section between Brodek u Přerova and Ostrava–Svinov.

Technology

ETCS: The European Train Control System is included in the project.