Czech Railways (ČD) has awarded a €115m contract to a consortium comprised of Škoda and Siemens, which will see the joint venture manufacture 50 Viaggio Comfort passenger cars for the Czech Republic’s main railway operator.
Siemens will take charge of the design, manufacture and delivery of the passenger cars. Škoda will be responsible for implementing the vehicles’ electrics and mechanics during assembly, while also working on static commissioning procedures. The first vehicles are expected to be delivered to ČD in 32 weeks.
With these new passenger cars, ČD is aiming to enhance its mainline services through expansion and flexibility.
According to Siemens, the cars can be used as five-unit trains, with each end featuring a standard UIC coupling allowing the vehicles to be adaptable to other cars. When formed as a functioning train, the locomotive will stretch for 330m and will feature 330 seats, travelling at speeds of up to 200km/h.
“Czech Railways is an innovation leader in the new EU countries, both in operations and when it comes to implementing modern technology and rolling stock. This leadership has been underscored again by the order for new passenger cars just signed with Siemens and Škoda. The new concept 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," said Pavel Krtek, CEO of Czech Railways.
"Our Railjet operating in the Czech Republic already stands for modern, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly rail travel. 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," noted Sabrina Soussan, CEO of the Siemens Mobility Division.