The extension of Prague’s metro line A in nearing completion. The line currently terminates in Dejvice-Prague 6 but is being extended to run to Motol Hospital in Prague 5. Four new stations should be completed in November and will be fully operational beginning next spring. Costs are expected to total CZK 20.2bn, CZK 2.3bn less than original estimates. Jaroslav Ďuriš, CEO of Prague’s transport company, said additional costs and changes were tightly monitored during construction, which helped save money. The project is being financed by loan from the European Investment Bank. The savings makes the metro project unique among Prague infrastructure projects, where costs usually rocket to unexpected heights, Hospodářské noviny writes. Costs for the long-delayed Blanka tunnel project, for example, have risen by CZK 10bn over the course of construction.
Prague’s metro line D is slated to be built next, connecting the city center with its southern outskirts. The project will be partially financed by EU funds. Construction is scheduled to start in 2016.
