Hochtief, Bemo Tunneling and Subterra won a contract to build the first fully automated metro line in Prague, with construction starting within weeks and completion expected by 2032.
The consortium’s total contract value is 13.3 billion Czech koruna, equivalent to approximately $580 million.
Hochtief’s share amounts to around 4.6 billion koruna, or about $200 million.
The project covers a six-kilometer stretch with three underground stations and several tunnel sections for Prague’s latest D-line.
Construction of the first phase of line D, which Hochtief is already involved in, is expected to be completed by 2029.
The Czech competition authority rejected a complaint from Austrian firm Strabag, upholding the contract award to the consortium.
Hochtief CEO Juan Santamaría said the line will be crucial for Prague’s future mobility and expressed pride in delivering the city’s first fully automated metro line.
Why the automated metro line matters for Prague
Prague’s current metro system lacks full automation, making this the city’s first driverless line and a step toward modernizing public transit.
The D-line will add capacity to a network serving over 1.2 million daily riders, addressing congestion on existing lines.
Automated systems typically reduce operating costs by 20-30% and improve service frequency, according to industry benchmarks.
What happens next in the construction timeline
Work begins within weeks on the six-kilometer section, with the consortium aiming to finish by 2032.
Hochtief’s involvement in the first phase, slated for completion in 2029, provides continuity for the overall D-line project.
The contract award stands despite Strabag’s complaint, as the Czech authority confirmed the selection process was correct.
When will construction start on the D-line section?
Construction is set to begin within the next few weeks, as stated by the consortium following the contract award.
How much is Hochtief’s share of the contract worth in US dollars?
Hochtief’s portion is approximately 4.6 billion Czech koruna, which converts to about $200 million based on current exchange rates.