Jindřichohradec narrow-gauge railway secures safety certificate and repair funding

The Jindřichohradec narrow-gauge railway operator, Gepard Infra, has received a five-year safety certificate from the Railway Authority. This certification confirms that the company's safety management system complies with both Czech and European legislation, which is essential for continued train operations.

To support the maintenance of the 130-year-old tracks, Gepard Infra has secured 17 million CZK from the State Fund for Transport Infrastructure (SFDI) for the current year. The funds are intended for critical repairs, including a planned general overhaul of one kilometer of track toward Nová Bystřice and the replacement of thousands of old sleepers.

Currently, train speeds on certain sections of the 79-kilometer network—stretching from Jindřichův Hradec to Nová Bystřice and Obrataň—have been reduced to 20 km/h due to safety concerns. The company aims to restore higher speeds through comprehensive reconstruction of the railway superstructure and subgrade.