CZECH REPUBLIC: National operator ČD is undertaking final works to enable the maximum operating speed of its Pendolino sets to be increased to 200 km/h from the current national limit of 160 km/h.
In late summer it plans to use Class 680 Pendolino trainsets on selected Praha – České Budějovice services, exploiting the Soběslav – Doubí and Sudoměřice – Votice sections of Corridor IV which were realigned and upgraded for 200 km/h running with tilting trains in 2022-23. Trains are currently limited to 160 km/h pending completion of regulatory changes. Final infrastructure modifications are currently under way following tests in June and July 2024 using Pendolino set 680.004, which was equipped with DB Systemtechnik measuring technology.
From August 31, ČD Pendolino sets approved for 200 km/h are to be introduced on Jižní Expres services IC 545/542 leaving České Budějovice at 05.59 and Praha station at 20.27, reducing the journey time by 7-11 min.
