Czech Minister of Transport Martin Kupka has announced plans to begin construction on a section of the D11 highway, connecting Czech borders with Poland to the Baltic Sea, in a bid to improve transportation infrastructure and create more competitive routes. The minister emphasized the importance of strategic investments in transportation infrastructure to enhance the Czech Republic’s regional competitiveness.

The construction of the D11 highway is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s competitive position, providing more efficient routes and connections with neighboring countries like Poland. Construction on the border segment with Poland is slated to commence this year, advancing the connectivity and trade possibilities between the two countries.

At a meeting with President Petr Pavel, Kupka also discussed critical connections, such as the D52 highway between Brno and Vienna and the D11 highway from Jaroměř to Trutnov, which are key components of the country’s transportation infrastructure.

The minister stressed the importance of government investments in transportation infrastructure, even during challenging economic times, to secure the country’s future financial stability and improve its capacity to pay off historical debts more easily.

To facilitate transportation infrastructure projects, the government will negotiate public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives, where the private and public sectors collaborate. Kupka highlighted the need for a diverse range of financial tools to support these projects, aiming to begin the construction in the coming government periods.

Kupka disclosed that the state will require a total of CZK 5.1 trillion for investment in transportation infrastructure, repairs, and maintenance from 2024 to 2050, with CZK 2.8 trillion needed in the next ten years. To support these projects, the State Fund for Transportation Infrastructure will be required to provide an average of CZK 182 billion annually.

During the meeting, the minister and the president also discussed the construction of high-speed railway lines, viewed as a vital development in promoting ecological transportation and freeing up the capacity of existing railway corridors.

The Czech Republic’s commitment to improving its transportation infrastructure through strategic investments will not only bolster its competitiveness in the region but also enhance connectivity, trade, and economic opportunities for the country and its citizens.

Article by Prague Forum