Czechia: Traffic opens on newly double tracked Prague bridge
As of today, the key ‘Branický most’ railway bridge in the Czechia capital of Prague will start full double-track train operations, which means more capacity for both freight and passenger traffic. The upgrade includes the section connecting the transportation hub of Krč to the newly renovated Praha-Kačerov station. The project marks a major milestone in the city’s rail infrastructure, having cost around 100 million euros.
First opened in 1964, the Branický most bridge is now approaching its 60th anniversary, and it is doing so with two tracks in full working order. “This bridge, along with the link to Krč, is integral to Prague’s rail network,” said Martin Kupka, Czechia Minister of Transport. “In addition to its regular freight operations, the line will support increased passenger transport, especially as major projects continue at Smíchov station and on the Výtoň bridge.”
The expanded line is set to play a key role in maintaining Prague-Beroun-Pilsen connections. As part of broader urban rail upgrades, the restored segment will offer an alternative route during infrastructure work at other major hubs in the Czechia capital, which means more consistent traffic flows.
“This enhancement is part of an ongoing transformation of the Prague area railways, supported by twenty years of EU membership,” said Martin Svášek from the European Commission. “Projects like this elevate Czech rail infrastructure to the modern standards of the EU’s TEN-T network, showcasing how European investment is turning the Czech railway from a relic into a vital link in the continental transport system.”
Testing to boost Czechia rail
Last Thursday, the bridge passed its final load tests, using older locomotives. “With the successful tests, full operation of the restored bridge is now possible,” said Jiří Svoboda, director general of the Railway Administration.
Key upgrades included bridge deck reconstruction, improved drainage, a new waterproofing system, and complete reworks at the Kačerov stop. The station now features a double-sided, 230-metre platform, a covered footbridge, and lift access, enabling speeds of up to 100 km/h along the new tracks.
“We put the second track on the Branické bridge into operation in accordance with the schedule,” said Aleš Gothard, director and chairman of the board of directors of Metrostav TBR. “This was preceded by the demolition of parts of the existing structure, the construction of a new slab, cornice and insulation, followed by technological works and rehabilitation of the reinforced concrete structure according to the condition of its individual parts.”
“Thanks to flexible cooperation with the client and also within the association, despite a very demanding time frame, we managed to complete the project and hand it over on time,” he added.
EU funding
The project involved Metrostav TBR, PORR, Elektrizace železnik Praha, and GJW Praha, with a total investment of 2.6 billion crowns (€106m). National funding was provided by the State Transport Infrastructure Fund, but the project was co-financed by the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), with the EU contributing up to 85 per cent of eligible costs, amounting to nearly 61 million euros.
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