Munich–Prague rail operating tender to be relaunched soon

The Transport Ministers of Bavaria and the Czech Republic have agreed to soon launch a tender for the Munich-Prague rail connection, as new rolling stock will be introduced on the approximately 440-km route from 2031. The foundation for this project will be a joint tender by the Bavarian Railway Company (BEG) and the Czech Ministry of Transport, which is expected to be launched around the turn of the year. This marks the second attempt by both countries to achieve the modernisation of the Munich-Prague rail connection. The initial tender, which was planned to commence service at the end of 2028, was cancelled due to a lack of economically viable bids. “The direct connection between Munich and Prague is the backbone of Bavarian-Czech rail traffic and requires a long-term, passenger-focused perspective. That’s why we haven’t been discouraged and have worked intensively on a new approach,” Bavarian Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter said. He noted that, unlike the earlier tender, cost reductions are now anticipated — mainly due to updated evaluation procedures, streamlined staffing requirements, and other refinements. Additionally, both parties expect a minimum of two bidders, which would foster healthy competition. The Munich-Prague rail connection “must meet the standards of modern European transport – offering comfort, reliability, and high-quality service. This joint initiative with Bavaria represents a significant step towards making rail travel the preferred and dignified choice for all who journey along this vital route,” Czech Transport Minister Martin Kupka said. Due to numerous infrastructure-related constraints, the route is already considered one of the most technically demanding railway connections in Europe. Trains must run on non-electrified sections and operate under three different frequency systems when running beneath overhead wires. With the development of high-speed rail in the Czech Republic in the next decade, the situation is expected to become even more complex. However, both ministers have agreed to seek support from the European Union for this key European transport link. Bilateral actions for this section In July 2017, at the first Czech-Bavarian Railway Summit in Furth im Wald, the Ministers of Transport from both countries signed an agreement to improve the Munich-Prague rail connection, especially focusing on increasing train speeds and the capacity of railway links. The transport ministers at the time agreed to create a joint route from Munich via Furth im Wald and Česká Kubice to Prague, aiming to compete with road transport and serve as a suitable alternative to air travel. The main transport priority of the Czech Republic, in partnership with the Free State of Bavaria, was the connection Munich – Nuremberg – Marktredwitz – Cheb – Pilsen – Prague and Munich – Regensburg – Furth im Wald – Domažlice – Prague, both of which are included in Germany’s long-term infrastructure plan – the Federal Transport Routes Development Plan (BVWP 2030). The improvement of the cross-border railway infrastructure aims to reduce the travel time between Prague and Munich to less than four hours by 2030. In July 2023, a joint tender for the selection of a railway operator to provide transport services from December 2027 for a period of 15 years on the rail link between Prague and Munich was officially launched, with the aim of introducing faster and better trains and a higher quality of service onboard. The tender for a new train operator on line Ex36 Prague – Pilsen – Munich was processed by the Czech Ministry of Transport together with the Free State of Bavaria, represented by BEG (Die Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft), a fully Bavarian-owned subsidiary responsible for the procurement, financing, and control of public passenger rail transport services. This rail connection is a vital corridor for economic cooperation and tourism between Bavaria and the Czech Republic. It plays a crucial role in enhancing cross-border mobility and regional development. Furthermore, it supports European Union goals for sustainable and environmentally friendly transport across member states.