Prague–Liberec high-speed rail project confirmed as economically viable

The Czech railway administration, Správa železnic, has confirmed the economic viability of the high-speed rail project connecting Prague and Liberec. This decision follows a re-evaluation of the '200PF variant,' which aims to reduce travel time between the two cities to 69 minutes.

The re-calculation was prompted by concerns regarding freight traffic volumes toward Poland. However, the new assessment confirms that the project remains economically efficient even if international freight volumes are lower than originally anticipated.

Project preparation has officially commenced for the section between Mladá Boleslav, Turnov, and Liberec. Engineering-geological surveys are currently underway in the Mladá Boleslav–Turnov segment. Additionally, a tender for documentation to secure project permits and environmental impact assessments (EIA) is expected to be launched later this year.

To ensure cost-effectiveness, future designers will be tasked with optimizing technical solutions and seeking savings, provided these changes do not compromise the target 69-minute travel time. This requirement will be a key criterion in the selection of project designers.