Infrastructure operator SZ, in collaboration with the Czech Ministry of Transport, has begun modernising the first section of the railway line from Plzen towards Germany, between Plzen, Nyrany and Chotesov. The contract worth EUR 185.4 million was awarded to a consortium comprising Porr, Elektrizace zeleznic Praha and Berger Bohemia. The works include the modernisation and electrification of a 12.3 km section of track, the refurbishment of the Vejprnice and Nyrany stations and the Tlucna halt, as well as the installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS). Completion is scheduled within two years. The ETCS implementation is being funded by the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme for 2021-2027, with the national contribution coming from the State Fund for Transport Infrastructure. The line forms part of the corridor via Domazlice to Bavaria. In the future, freight trains up to 740 m in length will also be able to operate there. Preparations are also underway for the remaining sections up to the German border.