Czech Railways places €115m order with consortium for 50 passenger cars

Siemens will be responsible for the engineering and production of the car bodies, delivery of the bogies and the dynamic commissioning, as well as authorisation. Škoda will handle the electric and mechanic final assembly and the static commissioning and delivery of auxiliary converters and control cabinets.

“ČD is an innovation leader in the new EU countries, both in operations and when it comes to implementing modern technology and rolling stock,” said Pavel Krtek, CEO of ČD. “The new concept (just signed) combines the comfort and equipment of high-speed trains with the advantages offered by locomotive-hauled trains. This will enable us to further strengthen our competitiveness in mainline transport, not only within the Czech Republic, but also in Central Europe.”

“Our Railjet operating in the Czech Republic already stands for modern, energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly rail travel,” explained Sabrina Soussan, CEO of the Siemens Mobility Division. “The ordered cars will further enhance travel comfort and passenger experience in mainline travel and continue the success story of our Viaggio Comfort cars in the Czech Republic and beyond.”

ČD will renew and expand its mainline service offering with these new passenger cars, which are based on Siemens’ Viaggio Comfort platform. These cars were previously also used in the popular and successful ČD Railjet trains. The new offering has been designed as an open system that will enable flexible operation of the cars based on varying demand on the routes they serve.

The cars, operating as five-unit trains, will have semi-rigid rod couplings and pressure-tight gangway connections. Each end of the train has a standard UIC coupling that enables the cars to be operated with different types of cars and locomotives.

Configured into first- and second-class areas, the cars will have spaces for wheelchairs, charging stations for electric wheelchairs, a barrier-free toilet and an electric lift for entering and exiting the car, a children’s area with a cinema, bicycles spaces, power outlets and USB ports.

The modern and spacious cars will be air conditioned, operate at a top speed of 200km/h, and delivery of the first cars is planned within 32 months.