The Ministry of Transport does not want to disclose the date of the transfer of the train station in Brno

Brno – The Ministry of Transport does not want to disclose any deadline for the modernization of the Brno railway hub and the relocation of the main station to the site of the current lower station. Transport Minister Vladimír Kremlík (ANO) said at a press conference today that he first wants to familiarize himself with the situation properly and that the priority is the modernization of the Brno-Židenice station. The same was said by Jiří Svoboda, the general director of the Railway Infrastructure Administration (SŽDC).

According to a feasibility study, which has been completed for almost two years, the modernization of the hub is expected to cost approximately 50 billion crowns. However, since then, the preparation of the construction has not progressed visibly. The building received a valid zoning decision last December. "We are still addressing the zoning decision and figuring out what options are available," said Svoboda.

There are still unresolved comments from the association of freight carriers ŽESNAD. The relocation of the station means the merging of passenger and freight transport into one corridor. As a result, carriers are concerned about the reduction of capacity for their trains. "ŽESNAD has submitted a request for two tracks across Brno designated only for freight transport. We are now considering what one track just for freight transport would mean. SŽDC does not agree with having a track serve exclusively one type of transport, especially since it would cost a huge amount of money," said Svoboda.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) has not yet stated how he envisions financing. He only told journalists in Brno that the country "is struggling with the legacy of traditional democratic parties, where we pay 25 billion a year for solar power, and once this period is over, we will be able to use this money for investments for people."

In preparing for the relocation of the Brno station, the initiation of a feasibility study for an underground railway, which is very important for the new station and is intended to manage the influx of passengers onto surface public transport, is also lagging. Initially, it was expected to be initiated by last Christmas.

Currently, there is a disruption at the main station as the signaling and communication systems are being modernized, bridges over Křídlovická and Hybešova streets are being reconstructed, and new tracks are being laid. Starting Thursday, builders will also begin repairing the station building.