New Bid: Operators Sought for Munich - Prague Rail Line - Munich–Prague Railway Seeks New Operator After Failed 2024 Tender

The Munich–Prague railway route is seeking a new operator after a 2024 Europe-wide tender failed to attract any bidders. Authorities in Bavaria and the Czech Republic have now relaunched the process with adjusted requirements to encourage more interest in the news.

The 440-kilometre route connects Munich and Prague in over five and a half hours, currently served by regional trains. However, the line is not fully electrified, featuring a mix of electrified and non-electrified sections with three different power systems along the way.

The new tender sets specific conditions for the future operator. They must provide at least 500 seats per train and purchase new carriages with Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Locomotives, however, can be secondhand. The contract will last 15 years, running from late 2031 to late 2046.

To attract more bidders, officials have relaxed some of the original requirements. The previous tender received no offers, prompting this revised approach.

The relaunched tender aims to secure a long-term operator for the Munich–Prague route. If successful, the new service will introduce modern carriages with improved passenger amenities. The contract is set to begin in late 2031 and continue until late 2046.