Czech Railways (ČD) continues its extensive modernisation efforts, investing in new technologies, trains, and infrastructure. With new connections, upgraded equipment, and innovative projects such as the Starlink satellite internet test, ČD aims to make rail transport even more appealing.
In 2025, Czech Railways (České dráhy, ČD) will introduce more ComfortJet long-distance trains in their final nine-carriage configuration, including a next-generation restaurant carriage. By the end of the year, the first Vectron locomotives, capable of speeds up to 230 km/h, are also expected to arrive.
“ČD can reflect on a record-breaking year marked by a significant rise in quality for both long-distance and regional transport. Dozens of new RegioPanter and RegioFox electric trains have been deployed, providing hundreds of thousands of passengers with greater comfort during their commutes to work, school, or leisure trips. Remarkably, ČD’s management maintained profitability despite substantial investments,” emphasised Transport Minister Martin Kupka.
“In 2024, we introduced eight two-car and 46 three-car electric RegioPanter trains, 56 RegioFox railcars in ČD colours, and the first battery trains in trial operations. Additionally, eight state-of-the-art ComfortJet trains and 22 Siemens Vectron locomotives joined our fleet. This equates to 22,000 seats in modern, barrier-free trains with air conditioning, power sockets, Wi-Fi, and other 21st-century rail travel standards,” added Michal Krapinec, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Czech Railways. “The average age of our vehicles has dropped to 17 years. Where new trains were introduced, passenger numbers increased. Modernisation is the right path to make rail travel more attractive.”
In 2024, ČD operated approximately 2.4 million train connections, covering a total distance of 119 million kilometres—an average of 6,605 trains daily. Compared to the previous year, modernisation efforts resulted in 439 additional barrier-free connections, 798 trains with Wi-Fi, and 1,430 trains equipped with power sockets.
2025: A Year of Long-Distance Transport and Further Investments
2025 will see further enhancements to long-distance transport. By year-end, 14 of the 20 ordered ComfortJet trains will be operational. “We will gradually transition ComfortJets to nine-car configurations, deploying them on routes from Prague to Brno and onward to Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. We also plan to introduce modern EC/IC coaches on additional domestic routes. Furthermore, the first of 50 new Siemens Vectron locomotives, designed for speeds of 230 km/h, will enter service by year-end,” Michal Krapinec explained. Over two dozen additional RegioFox units will also be deployed on regional lines.
Investments in modern service facilities will continue. Alongside ongoing construction in Cheb and Havlíčkův Brod, a new service hall in České Budějovice and a remodelled facility in Olomouc are set to be completed in 2025.
České Dráhy Testing Starlink High-Speed Internet on InterPanter Trains
Passengers can look forward to significantly improved voice and data services. “We have started installing 5G mobile signal boosters on Pendolino, Railjet, and InterPanter trains. Additionally, we are seeking a contractor for laser window treatments to improve mobile signal penetration in over 200 vehicles,” highlighted Michal Krapinec.
“In spring, we will begin testing SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet on an InterPanter unit. A prototype Starlink antenna designed for train use is expected to arrive from the USA by mid-January. Czech Railways will be among the first railway companies in the world to test this technology. This demonstrates our commitment to providing passengers with the best services,” concluded Krapinec.
