The Czech Ministry of the Environment has approved funding for eleven regional rail projects aimed at replacing outdated diesel and electric rolling stock with low-emission alternatives.
The funding supports the first round of the TRANSGov 1/2024 call, in which 17 proposals were submitted by regional authorities and the City of Prague. Projects were evaluated based on energy savings relative to requested funding. Eleven successful applications came from eight regions—Plzeň, Moravian-Silesian, Zlín, Ústí nad Labem, South Bohemian, Vysočina, Hradec Králové, Pardubice—and Prague.
Eligible costs include the purchase of new trains powered by overhead lines, batteries, or hydrogen. Diesel train replacements can receive up to 70% co-funding, while upgrades of older electric vehicles are eligible for 40%. The selected regions must sign public service contracts with operators by the end of 2026, committing to the procurement and operation of the new rolling stock.
Unsuccessful projects have been placed on a reserve list and may be reconsidered if allocated budgets decrease—for example, due to lower tender costs or withdrawals.
The second round of the call is expected to open in December 2025, with applications accepted through March 2027.
