Czech railway modernization faces infrastructure bottlenecks

Czech Railways (České dráhy) has significantly modernized its fleet, with over 1,400 low-floor vehicles now in service. This expansion, including RegioPanter and RegioFox units, aims to improve accessibility for seniors, families with strollers, and passengers with disabilities by eliminating the need to climb high steps.

However, transport experts warn that new rolling stock alone will not solve travel delays or speed issues. The Association of Passenger Rail Operators (SVOD Bohemia) emphasizes that infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly within the Prague railway node, must be addressed to improve reliability. The Prague node currently lacks the capacity for further development, including high-speed rail, with major reconstruction projects not expected to begin before 2035.

Other critical capacity constraints exist on lines connecting Prague to Kolín, Beroun, Všetaty, and Mladá Boleslav. On the heavily used route between Prague, Český Brod, and Kolín, existing two-track limitations cause delays as faster long-distance trains must navigate around slower regional services.