E15: SŽDC will repair the roof of the main train station in Prague for half a billion

Prague - The Administration of Railway Transport Infrastructure (SŽDC) will repair the roofing of the first four platforms at Prague's main railway station for half a billion crowns. The construction start is planned for September next year, with completion expected by the end of 2015. The E15 newspaper reported today that the plan was likely accelerated by the effort to exhaust as much money as possible from European funds at the last minute.
    "We are currently addressing the technology for the realization of the construction, considering the possibilities of limiting railway operations at this station," said SŽDC spokesman Pavel Tesař to the newspaper. According to E15, the monumental steel roof structure dating back to the monarchy has long been called for by, among others, the Grandi Stazioni company, which manages the adjacent check-in halls. The platforms and tracks at the main station were recently reconstructed.
    The roof restoration will involve, for example, new corrosion protection, replacement of rusted parts, adjustment of lighting, or replacement of wire glass with tempered safety glass.
    At Prague's main railway station, Grandi Stazioni, which leased the Czech Railways building here for 30 years, has so far renovated the check-in hall and started the reconstruction of the Art Nouveau Fantova café this February. The entire historic Fantova building, which is a national cultural monument, is expected to follow for repair.