South Moravian Region seeks battery trains for 7.35 billion CZK

The South Moravian Region has approved a call for final bids to supply 21 modern battery-powered train units, with an estimated cost of 7.35 billion CZK including long-term service. Three manufacturers, Škoda Group, Stadler, and Alstom, are participating in the competition.

The new trains are expected to enter service by December 2031. They are intended to improve service on the Vlárská line from Brno to Staré Město u Uherského Hradiště and the route between Brno and Třebíč. These battery-electric units (BEMU) will allow for seamless travel between electrified and non-electrified sections without requiring locomotive changes or passenger transfers.

While the region sought funding from the Modernization Fund, the application was unsuccessful. Regional Governor Jan Grolich stated that despite the lack of that specific subsidy, the poor condition of current rolling stock makes the renewal urgent. The region is currently seeking alternative financing methods. The contract also allows for the potential expansion of the fleet to other regional lines, such as connections between Břeclav, Znojmo, Hodonín, and Veselí nad Moravou, starting as early as 2034.