The Czech railway management company SZDC will support the construction of a tunnel to speed connections between Pilsen and Prague. Having looked at two options involving tunnels that would be 17 and 25 kilometers in length, it’s believed that the longer one (costing CZK 50bn) is a slight favorite. Along with cost, the SZDC is taking into account the feasibility of winning planning permission for the project, as well as the degree to which it will reduce noise pollution along the route. The tunnel, which would be used for personal as well as cargo transport, would shave 25 minutes off the 75 minutes it currently takes to get from Prague to Pilsen. It’s estimated that construction could start by 2028, with work expected to take 10 years to complete. A final decision by the Ministry of Transport is expected at the end of the summer.
