CZECH REPUBLIC: Electric trains began running on the 6·7 km branch between Hustopeče u Brna and Šakvice on December 12, enabling the introduction of a direct service S3 linking Hustopeče to Brno in just 35 min.
As well as 25 kV 50 Hz electrification, the modernisation of the single track Line 251 included track renewals for 90 km/h running, resignalling, level crossing upgrades and station enhancements.
The work was undertaken by Subterra, OHL ŽS, FIRESTA-Fišer and EŽ Praha at a total cost of KC1·55bn, of which 84·5% came from EU sources.
A similar upgrading project was completed on the 2·7 km Hrušovany u Brna – Židlochovice line ahead of the December 2019 timetable change.
