The representatives of Brno want a new train station in a relocated position

Brno - Brno city councilors want a new train station in a shifted position. 31 out of 42 present councilors voted for it. Four councilors were against, and seven abstained. In the approved resolution, they demand that the state simultaneously begin construction of a predominantly underground double-track railway connecting the north and south of the city through the new station. The resolution implies that the city does not plan to build the New Urban Avenue, which was worked on in a feasibility study. The final decision regarding the Brno station and the comprehensive modernization of the railway hub is scheduled to be made by the government in May.

The city administration argues in its decision that the shifted station is ready for construction more than the central alternative. However, the resolution states that a partial change to the urban planning is also necessary for the shifted alternative. If construction starts by 2023, the state should obtain at least partial European funding for the construction of the station. It is also likely to be easier to integrate high-speed lines into the shifted station, which the state is currently only considering and is preparing to commission a study. The new station should cost nearly 50 billion crowns.

The city administration is aware that the shift of the station will cause traffic complications, which is why the resolution includes the statement that "the city of Brno therefore recommends the implementation of variant Ac (shifted station) on the condition that a meaningful functional phase of the north-south rail diameter will be realized in the near future." This is a construction that may cost ten to 20 billion crowns. Trains are expected to run at short intervals and will effectively serve a function similar to that of the metro in Prague. The tracks will disconnect from the Tišnov line in Řečkovice or Královo Pole and will lead through a tunnel towards the historical center, the current station, the shifted station, and then curve towards Chrlice above ground, with trains continuing towards Slavkov.

The connection of the new station with the diameter has become a cause of dispute between the opposition and the coalition. The opposition, including ČSSD, ODS, and KSČM, demanded the removal of the diameter condition. The coalition did not agree to this, so in the end, only the communists from the opposition voted for the resolution. The Greens were against it, wanting the station in the center and considering the diameter condition to be a "fog around the decision-making." According to Deputy Mayor Martin Ander, it is unrealistic for the diameter to be constructed in such a way that at least part of it functions upon the opening of the new station.

Support for the shift of the station has already been expressed by councilors of the South Moravian Region, and the Railway Infrastructure Administration, the Ministry of Transport, and finally, the government will also express their views in May. Even after that, however, it will not be clear when construction will begin, as the South Bohemian regional office, as the appellate authority, has not decided for several years on the appeal against the issuance of the planning decision.

The current situation calls for a new station and the modernization of the hub. The station cannot accommodate additional trains and is at capacity limits, despite the growing demand for rail transport. Discussions about the relocation of the station have been ongoing in Brno for nearly 100 years.

At the city council meeting today, several dozen supporters of both options spoke, with a significant majority being in favor of the station in the center.