Czech railway news – Page 2
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NewsČD to launch 200 km/h Pendolino operation
CZECH REPUBLIC: National operator ČD is undertaking final works to enable the maximum operating speed of its Pendolino sets to be raised from 160 km/h to 200 km/h.
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NewsCzech car parts take the Trans-Caspian route to Kazakhstan
INTERNATIONAL: Nurminen Logistics has started a regular block train service carrying 40 ft containers of car parts from Mladá Boleslav in the Czech Republic to Allur’s car factory at Kostanay in Kazakhstan.
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NewsArriva awarded Plzeň train operating contract
CZECH REPUBLIC: Arriva Vlaky has been chosen to operate Plzeň - Domažlice regional passenger service P3.
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NewsFull length ComfortJet trains enter service
CZECH REPUBLIC: National operator České Dráhy has put into service the first full rakes of ComfortJet coaches, adding the missing driving trailer and restaurant cars to sets which had until now been operating in short formation. In April 2021 ČD awarded a ...
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Metro Report InternationalRebuilt Praha tram depot commissioned
CZECH REPUBLIC: Praha transport operator DPP has completed a six-year project to rebuild Hloubětín tram depot. The original depot opened in 1951. Structural problems with the roof were discovered in 2013, trams were moved from the main hall in January 2018 and the depot closed for ...
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In depthTraction: Battery technology adapts to rail demands
Traction battery technology is increasingly able to support the transition away from diesel-only traction in the rail sector, but the stresses facing batteries in rail must be clearly recognised, says Senthilnathan Mariappan of ABB.
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In depthAutomation: Journey to a driverless future
April is due to see the start of commercial passenger services with an autonomous train in the Czech Republic, as AŽD Praha launches demonstration GoA3 operations on its Dolní Bousov – Kopidlno test line.
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NewsTurnout manufacturer highlights engineering career opportunities
CZECH REPUBLIC: Turnout manufacturer DT Výhybkárna a Strojírna is collaborating with secondary schools and universities to offer a scholarship programme, internships and factory tours. These educational activities will show students its production process and the results of key projects, including its development of high speed turnouts. ...
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NewsCzech long-distance passenger train operating contracts awarded
CZECH REPUBLIC: The Ministry of Transport has awarded Arriva Vlaky a KC3·03bn contract to operate long-distance passenger services on the Praha – Plzeň – Cheb and Praha – Plzeň – Klatovy/Železná Ruda routes for 15 years from the December 2028 timetable change. The bids to operate ...
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NewsPraha cross-city rail tunnel plans firm up
CZECH REPUBLIC: The Ministry of Transport has selected a preferred design option for two railway tunnels to be built under Praha with a total length of 10·6 km.
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NewsSelf-monitoring turnout research targets safety and reliability
CZECH REPUBLIC: Track component manufacturer DT-Výhybkárna a strojírna has launched a three-year research project aimed at developing an ‘autonomous turnout’ which can monitor its own condition and predict any problems before they can cause a failure. Emphasising that turnouts are among the most heavily stressed infrastructure ...
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NewsŠkoda Group orders ABB traction batteries
CZECH REPUBLIC: ABB is to supply Škoda Group with its newly introduced Pro Series traction batteries for installation in a fleet of battery-electric multiple-units being produced for Czech national operator České Dráhy. The order with a book value of just under US$20m was confirmed in Q4 ...
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Metro Report InternationalTram on test as Praha network grows ‘like mushrooms after rain’
CZECH REPUBLIC: The first ForCity Plus 52T tram for Praha is now on test at Škoda Group’s Plzeň factory, 13 months after the signing of the order and eight months after the start of production. ‘After almost 20 years, Praha is getting a completely new type ...
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NewsLeo Express trains to be converted for dual-voltage operation
CZECH REPUBLIC: Leo Express has awarded original manufacturer Stadler a contract to convert its five 3 kV DC Flirt electric multiple-units to also use 25 kV 50 Hz electrification. The dual-voltage capability will enable Leo Express to continue operations on the Prague – Ostrava route after ...
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In depthComment: A waning appetite for competition
While the EU’s third and fourth railway packages sought to liberalise the passenger rail sector within the bloc and influence it beyond, the establishment of a competitive dynamic within the European market seems less assured than it has for some time, argues Executive Editor Nick Kingsley.
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NewsNew Schwarzenberský Bridge allows higher speeds and train weights
CZECH REPUBLIC: Infrastructure manager SŽ has opened a 316 m long reinforced concrete bridge over the Orlík reservoir near Červená nad Vltavou on the Tábor – Písek line. The new Schwarzenberský Bridge replaces a steel structure dating from 1889 which had limited the maximum speed and ...
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In depthInterview: ČD sees fleet renewal opportunity despite ‘tedious’ approval task
Michal Krapinec, Chairman & Director General of Czech national operator České Dráhy, unveils his strategy for developing domestic and international passenger services to Toma Bačić.
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NewsState railways fined for colluding against open access operator
EUROPE: The European Commission has fined the Czech and Austrian national train operators a total of €48·7m for colluding to prevent new entrant RegioJet from acquiring second-hand rolling stock to support its growth in the Czech Republic and on the Praha – Wien route. ...
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NewsComfortJet trainsets deployed on Praha – Berlin route
EUROPE: Czech national operator České Dráhy has begun using ComfortJet long-distance trainsets on the Berliner international service from Praha to Berlin. This follows their entry into service on domestic routes in June. ‘We are symbolically starting a new phase of putting our ...
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NewsCzech manufacturer develops high speed turnout
CZECH REPUBLIC: Turnout manufacturer DT Výhybkárna Strojírna has unveiled a swing-nose crossing and switch set for high speed lines that allows through running speeds of up to 350 km/h and 230 km/h when diverging. ‘Our switches, switch structures and components are already ...