Škoda Group has been selected to supply up to 133 EMU 400 electric multiple units to České dráhy for suburban services in Prague and the Central Bohemian Region, Zdopravy informs.
České dráhy tendered a framework contract for up to 133 units, with a minimum firm order of 66 units.
The EMU 400 units will be dual-system trains for 3 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz AC operation. They will have a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h and at least 380 seats.
The trains will be low-floor units with air-conditioned first- and second-class interiors. Required equipment includes Wi-Fi, power sockets, USB charging, space for prams and bicycles, at least three toilets, wheelchair spaces and an audiovisual passenger information system.
Škoda Group competed against Stadler Rail, Siemens and Alstom. According to Zdopravy.cz, Stadler placed second with a bid of CZK 38.660bn, followed by Siemens and Alstom. Škoda’s offer included a 180-month warranty.
The rolling stock procurement is linked to the wider tender for 30 years of operation on backbone electrified lines in Prague and Central Bohemia from 2030. České dráhy submitted the lower operating bid at CZK 165.173bn, or about EUR 6.68bn, compared with RegioJet’s CZK 183.646bn, or about EUR 7.43bn. Arriva vlaky did not submit a final bid.
The first 60 to 66 units are planned for routes including S7 Český Brod – Praha – Řevnice – Beroun, S5/R45 Praha-Veleslavín – Kladno-Ostrovec, S55 Praha-Veleslavín – Praha-Letiště Václava Havla, S1 Praha – Poříčany – Kolín and R41 Praha – Kolín – Kutná Hora.
Additional options cover about 60 more units, linked to infrastructure projects including the modernisation between Praha Masarykovo nádraží and Veleslavín and new rail links towards Mladá Boleslav. The contracting authorities expect evaluation and approval steps to continue through summer 2026, with contracts to be concluded by the end of 2026.
