Spa town of Karlovy Vary boasts magnificent new railway station

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The newly renovated station can serve more passengers and the infrastructure is ready to accommodate the increased interest in rail transport.Jiří Svoboda, Director General, Správa železnic, CzechiaThe old building was so dilapidated that it had to be demolished before construction could begin. The new station features a glass hall, which creates a light and airy public space with barrier-free access to the railway platforms.Major refitBuilding works covered the construction of new elevated platforms, including roofs, and a new passenger underpass. In addition, the project provided for the reconstruction of neighbouring railway substructure and superstructure, modifications to the traction line, and the installation of new generation communications and signalling equipment.There is now sufficient capacity at the station for passenger check-in that complies with current European standards. The upgrades increase the quality and safety of passenger transport services, while increasing train speed on the line.Key routeThe station is located on the Kadaň Prunéřov-Cheb double-track railway, which serves frequent passenger and freight services. The railway track is known as the “coal arterial road” because most of the brown coal extracted from the Sokolov coal basin used to be transported along the route.Karlovy Vary has a population of around 48 000 and lies on the confluence of two rivers – the Ohře and Teplá. Situated close to the German border, the town is home to many hot springs which, along with the historic local architecture, make it a popular tourist destination.Karlovy Vary is said to be the most visited spa resort in Czechia. The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is reputed to be one of the oldest in the world and a major annual cultural event in central Europe.Total investment and EU fundingTotal investment for the project “Modernisation of Karlovy Vary Railway Station” is EUR 24 975 023, with the EU’s Cohesion Fund contributing EUR 20 952 796 through the “Transport” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Transport and energy networks”.