Bottleneck strains Prague trains; fourth track planned but years away

Prague's rail network is struggling to keep up with increasing passenger numbers, with critical sections operating at their capacity limits. The primary bottleneck is identified in the rail corridor stretching from Libeň through Běchovice and Klánovice towards Kolín.

This strain was highlighted in a recent study by the Association of Passenger Carriers (SVOD), which underscores the urgent need for infrastructure improvements. The study points to the metropolitan area's rail lines reaching their operational limits.

To alleviate the congestion, the Railway Administration (SŽ) has outlined several construction projects. These include plans for a fourth track near Běchovice and the development of the Libeň flyover. However, these much-needed upgrades are not expected to commence until 2029 at the earliest, leaving current capacity issues unresolved for the immediate future.