The entire project was implemented by the supplier association ČD – Telematika (leading partner) and AŽD.
"The takeover of the last serial locomotive 363.256 means for us that we now have 78 very promising locomotives ready for the exclusive operation of trains under the supervision of ETCS which will be launched on a larger scale in the Czech Republic beginning 2025," commented Tomáš Tóth, chairman of the board of ČD Cargo on the event.
The implementation of the safety device in locomotives of series 163 and 363 that belong among the key traction vehicles of ČD Cargo began in March 2019 and the deadline for the completion of the contract was the end of this year. From January 1, 2025, the Czech Republic plans to introduce so-called exclusive operations under the ETCS on selected backbone corridors. The exclusive operation mode means that traction vehicles without ETCS on-board units will no longer be admitted to these lines.
