High-speed rail in the Czech Republic

High-speed rail in Czech Republic is at planning stage only. Even though České Dráhy own and operate multiple capable of speeds of 200 km/h (124 mph), other than Velim railway test circuit there is no infrastructure capable of speeds over 160 km/h (99 mph). Czech rolling stock manufacturer Škoda Transportation produces high-speed rolling stock on regular basis.

The Czech Ministry of Transport is planning a high-speed rail network which will be roughly 660 km (410 mi) long. Several studies of a possible network have been completed, but there have not yet been any concrete proposals. There are no expectations for any operation before 2020, but Czech railway infrastructure manager (Správa železniční dopravní cesty, SŽDC) has a special budget for preparatory studies. There is also promotion from the side of NGOs, e.g. Centrum pro Efektivní Dopravu.

SŽDC is also considering upgrading of some ETCS-equipped 160 km/h (99 mph) tracks to 200 km/h (124 mph) and also upgrading some current 160 km/h (99 mph) projects to 200 km/h (124 mph).

The Velim railway test circuit contains a large 13.3-kilometre track with a maximum allowed speed of 230 km/h (143 mph) for tilting trains and up to 210 km/h (130 mph) for conventional trains.

Since 2004 České dráhy have been operating seven ČD Class 680 sets. These Pendolino-based trains are capable of operating at 230 km/h (143 mph) and were intended for operation on the Berlin - Prague - Vienna route. While testing from Břeclav to Brno on November 18, 2004, the ČD Class 680 reached a speed of 237 km/h (147 mph) and created a new Czech railway speed record. In reality ČD Class 680 were never operated in Germany and appeared only in Austria and Slovakia; since 2012 they have only operated on domestic routes.

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Wikipedia