The railway network of a stunning European capital beloved by Brits is set to be ehanced by a multi-billion-pound investment.
Officials in the Czech Republic have announed plans for a major revamp for Prague’s railway network, which will include a 7.4 billion euro (£6.1billion) upgrade for the city’s central station.
The country’s infrastructure manager, Správa železnic (SZ) unveiled plans that will see a new cultural zone and square built at Prague Main Station, The Sun reports.
The works at the transport hub, which first opened in 1871, will also include the construction of a two new tunnel routes and an underground station beneath the existing train station, as per Rail Tech.
The plans, which have been signed off on by The Central Commission of the Ministry of Transport, will see the two tunnels intersecting, with one directly beneath the existing underpasses and another at a lower level.
Escalator-equipped passageways will link to two passageways, taking passengers to vestibules at Winston Churchill Square as well as the main stations’s new departure hall, as per the outlet.
Each tunnel will support 16 trains per hour in each direction, improving the separation of long-distance and regional services that operate at the station.
Services will reportedly call at new stations in the city at Karlín, Wenceslas Square, Karlovo Náměstí, and Florenc.
It’s hoped the two new tunnels will increase capacity at the main railway hub.
Czechia’s state institutions, SZ, and the local Prague authorities will work together to implement the infrastucture plans.
Zdeněk Hřib, first Deputy Mayor of Prague for Transport, said: “This project brings much-needed rail capacity right into the city centre, creating several new strategic stops that will reduce walking distances for passengers.
“The strengthened railway network will also alleviate pressure on the busiest public transport routes and divert some road traffic, reducing emissions and noise levels,” he added.
It is not yet known when the works are expected to be completed, or when the routes will launch.
Prague Central Station is 15 minutes away from the Old Town Square and has undergone a number of renovations over the years, with expansions in 1972 and 1979, as per The Sun.
