The reconstruction of the Masaryk railway station in Prague will be done for the Railway Administration (SŽ) for approximately CZK 3.39 billion (€138.5 million) by Strabag Rail and Strabag, which were successful in the tender. ČTK was informed about this by SŽ spokeswoman Nela Eberl Friebová. During the reconstruction, a platform will be built above the track, a better connection with Florence will be created and trains will be able to run on nine tracks instead of the current seven. SŽ also plans to reconstruct the Smíchov and Main Railway Stations in Prague, writes ČTK.
Work will start at the beginning of 2023. The station will continue to operate even during the reconstruction and trains will continue to stop there with partial restrictions. After the reconstruction, Prague's oldest station will be barrier-free and a new roof will connect Florenc with Hybernská Street and the main station. Escalators, staircases and lifts will lead from the upper floor to individual platforms. There will also be a new vestibule for waiting passengers.
"Part of the platform will be planted with greenery, creating a quiet zone right in the centre of the metropolis," said Eberl Friebová. The historic station from the mid-19th century will retain its original character while offering passengers greater comfort. The entire track, all technologies, catenary and power supply will also be renovated. SŽ will receive part of the money for the work from European funds.
SŽ has also recently announced two tenders concerning the reconstruction of the Smíchov railway station. The first tender includes the reconstruction of the station, including the repair of platforms, the creation of one new platform and the repair of underpasses. A footbridge over the railway will also be built to connect Smíchov, Radlice and the Smíchov City district under construction between the station and the Na Knížecí area. SŽ announced the tender in August with an estimated value of CZK 5.2 billion ( €220.4 million). In addition, last week it also announced a public tender for the development of a project for the reconstruction and extension of the Smíchov station building.
The reconstruction of the new main station concourse is also planned. SŽ, together with the Prague City Hall and the transport company, announced an architectural competition for the reconstruction of the hall, the adaptation of Vrchlického Sady and the design of the planned tram line from Vinohradská to Bolzanova Street, in which the Danish studio Henning Larsen Architects was successful. The winning design subsequently attracted criticism because it envisages the removal of a large part of the hall.
