Extensive railway construction work between Kolín, Řečany nad Labem, and Přelouč will disrupt operations on the main rail corridor from Prague toward eastern Bohemia and Moravia throughout July. According to Petr Pošta of the Czech Railways (České dráhy) communications team, the Správa železnic will perform track replacement and grinding, necessitating the use of replacement buses for regional line S10 and causing potential delays of up to 15 minutes for long-distance services.
Did You Know? Due to a separate construction project involving the closure of a town square in Týnec nad Labem, a dedicated bus line will operate specifically to connect Záboří nad Labem and Týnec nad Labem during the July maintenance period.
How the rail disruption affects regional and long-distance travel
The construction schedule is divided into two primary phases. From July 5 to July 21, regional trains on line S10 will be replaced by buses between Kolín and Řečany nad Labem. Starting July 22, the exclusion zone will extend to Přelouč, with the work scheduled to conclude by the end of the month.
Long-distance trains will continue to run through the affected sections, though passengers should anticipate delays. “Due to the limited capacity of the track, long-distance trains of České dráhy may increase delays by up to 15 minutes when passing through the repaired sections,” Pošta stated. Travelers are advised to monitor delay updates and communicate with train personnel regarding potential connection issues.
Logistics for replacement bus services
Replacement transport will be provided via three distinct bus lines. The first line will depart Kolín earlier than scheduled to ensure connections to trains heading toward Pardubice and Česká Třebová. The second line will operate according to standard train departure times but will not guarantee connections. The third line addresses local closures in Týnec nad Labem.
Passengers should note that space on replacement buses is limited. While strollers will be accommodated until capacity is reached, bicycle transport is strictly restricted to a maximum of two bikes per bus.
Expert Insight: The decision to perform track grinding and replacement during the summer months is a standard operational necessity to maintain long-term infrastructure safety on high-traffic corridors. While the 15-minute delay threshold for long-distance trains may seem manageable, the complexity of coordinating three separate bus lines for regional commuters highlights the significant logistical strain that even routine maintenance exerts on the national rail network.
What happens next
Following the conclusion of this maintenance at the end of July, the rail corridor is expected to return to standard operations. However, further activity is already planned for the region. Plans are currently in place for a separate transformation of the track between Kutná Hora and Kolín, which has already received the necessary permits and is slated to begin later this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the specific bus schedules for the exclusion?
Detailed information and the specific exclusion timetables are available at www.cd.cz/omezeniprovozu.
Are bicycles allowed on the replacement buses?
Yes, but transport is limited to a maximum of two bicycles per connection.
Why is the rail capacity reduced?
The reduction is due to ongoing maintenance by the Správa železnic, which involves the replacement and grinding of rails on one of the tracks throughout the month of July.
How are you planning to adjust your travel schedule to account for these potential delays?
