Market Overview
The Czech Republic is undertaking its largest rail investment programme in modern history, with the national infrastructure manager SŽDC (now Správa železnic) implementing a comprehensive modernisation of the network. A new high-speed rail network is planned, with the Prague–Brno corridor as the flagship project, targeting speeds of up to 320 km/h. The Prague Metro is expanding with a new Line D under construction. Czech Railways (ČD) is renewing its rolling stock fleet with new intercity and regional trains. EU cohesion funds provide substantial financing for rail modernisation. The Czech Republic is a key transit country for freight between Western Europe and Ukraine, increasing the strategic importance of its rail infrastructure. Škoda Transportation, based in Plzeň, is a globally significant manufacturer of rail vehicles, trams, and metro cars active in markets across Europe and beyond.