Diesel multiple units tender announced for Czech Railways inland lines

Czech Railways (ČD) has begun a tender process to select a supplier for up to 30 diesel multiple units for domestic fast-train connections.

On 18 April, ČD revealed it is to begin negotiated procedures to acquire 30 modern disabled-accessible diesel multiple units for domestic fast-train connections in a contract worth an estimated CZK 4 billion. ČD will conclude a framework agreement with the winner of the tender.  Deliveries of individual trains will be based on the carrier’s specific needs arising under concluded contracts for provision of transport service on specified lines.

Growth of Czech long-distance rail passenger transport

Commenting on the tender announcement, ČD Chairman Pavel Krtek said: “As part of our preparations for the opening of the long-distance rail passenger transport market in the Czech Republic and for a tender in this area being prepared by the Czech Ministry of Transport, we are announcing a tender for a supplier for disabled-accessible diesel multiple units. We will conclude a framework agreement with the winner that will later enable us to order only a precisely stipulated number of multiple units in a configuration to be determined by the requirements of the public service contracting authority for the lines for which we will conclude relevant contracts on the provision of transport service.”

ČD believes this approach will prepare it for future tenders, including the drawing of European funds from which the purchase of the diesel multiple units will be financed.

Diesel multiple units to be produced in various different configurations

The operator states the multiple units may be produced in various different configurations for specific lines, e.g. two- or three-carriage multiple units with a minimum capacity of 120 or 180 seats, respectively. Their production will depend on the requirements of the public transport contracting authority for the specific line. All trains will have common elements, however, which are specified by Michal Štěpán, ČD’s Board Member responsible for passenger transport: “The diesel multiple units must be constructed for a speed of at least 140 km/h, and like other modern trains they will be air-conditioned and disabled-accessible. A large portion of the interior space including the boarding areas must have a low-platform configuration, and the rendering of the interiors will be based on our design manual. To inform passengers about the train’s journey and approaching stops, the multiple units will be equipped with a modern audio-visual information system with LCD monitors. Passengers’ use of portable electronic devices for work or relaxation will be facilitated by the presence of 230V electrical sockets and Wi-Fi equipment for internet connectivity. The trains must also have sufficient space for stowing prams, bicycles and other voluminous luggage.”

The tender will encompass not only the delivery of the multiple units themselves, but also a sufficient quantity of spare parts for maintenance by means of a so-called exchange system and a series of periodic repairs.