České dráhy (ČD) plans to use the loan to purchase 180 passenger coaches and 20 electric locomotives. In addition, the business plans to upgrade 219 old coaches and locomotives with contemporary technology known as the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). The enhancements, which are set to be finished by the end of 2028, will assist Czech cohesion areas and cross-border connections.
"We are using the funds obtained in this way primarily for improvement of the quality of long-distance trains, including the acquisition of the most modern ComfortJet trainsets, which will run on the lines interconnecting Prague with Germany, Austria, Slovakia or Hungary, as well as for equipment of other vehicles with the on-board part of the European Train Control System (ETCS)," explains their plans Lukáš Svoboda, Member of the Board of Directors and Deputy Director General of ČD for Economics and Purchasing.
The financing builds on years of cooperation between EIB and České dráhy to upgrade infrastructure and rolling stock. Last year alone, the EIB invested €880 million on Czech rail investments.
"By modernising the rolling stock of České dráhy, we are not only enhancing the safety and efficiency of rail services but also advancing the EU’s climate-action goals," says EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris.
The new and retrofitted rolling stock is expected to improve service reliability, reduce journey times and lower maintenance costs. Furthermore, the initiative is projected to create around 160 permanent jobs, primarily for train drivers, accompanying staff and maintenance personnel.
