Planning for the construction of a new high-speed rail line Dresden-Prague completed - Dresden–Prague high-speed rail link nears breakthrough after decade of planning

A major high-speed rail project between Dresden and Prague is making steady progress. The new line aims to slash travel times and ease congestion on one of Europe's busiest routes. Political and economic ties between Germany and Czech Republic have helped push the scheme forward over the past decade.

The Dresden–Prague rail link has been a priority since 2017, when transport ministers from both countries agreed to fast-track the project. Early work began in 2014 with EU-funded feasibility studies, backed by €600,000 from the TEN-T programme. By 2020, cost estimates stood at €7.5 billion for the Czech Republic section and €1.2 billion for the German side.

Key steps have followed in quick succession. In July 2024, authorities in Ústí nad Labem approved the route, while experts for tunnel construction were appointed as early as March 2021. The German side's centrepiece is a 30-kilometre tunnel through the Ore Mountains, designed to bypass the congested Elbe Valley corridor.

The preliminary planning phase has now wrapped up. Once budgetary details are settled, an intergovernmental agreement can be signed. If completed, the line would cut Dresden–Prague journeys from two and a half hours to just one. Travellers from Berlin could then reach Prague in two and a half hours, down from the current four.

The project reflects deeper cooperation between Germany and Czech Republic, extending beyond rail to areas like hydrogen infrastructure. With route approvals in place and technical preparations underway, the next phase depends on finalising funding. The high-speed link promises faster connections and reduced pressure on existing transport networks.