Czech infrastructure manager SŽ has officially launched an 88-kilometer upgrade project for the Brno-Přerov line, a key component of the country’s first high-speed rail link connecting Prague, Brno, and Ostrava. Construction began on May 26 with a 10-kilometer section from Nezamyslice to Kojetín.
Project Planning and Funding Structure
The entire upgrade is divided into five sections across South and Central Moravia: Brno-Blažovice, Blažovice-Vyškov, Vyškov-Nezamyslice, Nezamyslice-Kojetín, and Kojetín-Přerov. With a budget of CZK 7.76 billion, funding comes from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), private investments via public-private partnership (PPP), and the National Transport Infrastructure Fund, with CEF specifically supporting the installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS).
Technical Upgrades and Engineering Scope
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Speed Enhancement: Track optimizations will raise the maximum train speed from the current 100 km/h to a higher standard (to be announced).
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Electrification Reform: The power supply will shift from a mixed system (25 kV AC/3 kV DC) to unified 25 kV AC, with the conversion point relocated from Nezamyslice to Přerov.
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New Infrastructure: Includes 8 bridges (including a 122-meter-span structure), a 744-meter tunnel through Kozlov Hill, and 2.3 km of noise barriers.
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Station Upgrades: A new station in Němčice nad Hanou, comprehensive renovations at Měrovice nad Hanou with improved accessibility and bicycle/car parking.
Timeline and Partnership Model
The Kojetín-Přerov section is scheduled to start later this year, with overall completion expected in 2028. The first three sections (Nezamyslice-Přerov) will use PPP, supported by a recent EBRD agreement with SŽ for preparatory work. Consulting firms are now being tendered to advance the transaction phase. Construction contracts have been awarded to Porr, Strabag, and Eurovia, with electrification handled by EŽ.
"Czech high-speed rail construction has officially begun," said Transport Minister Martin Kupka, noting the upgraded line will connect to the planned high-speed network and drive regional transport integration.
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