Subterra Hochtief Wins €1.2B Prague Metro Line D Contract

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC – Prague’s public transport operator, DPP, has signed a EUR 1.2 billion (CZK 30 billion) contract for the second construction phase of its new Metro Line D. The agreement with a consortium of Subterra, Hochtief CZ, Hochtief Infrastructure, and BeMo Tunnelling covers the section between Olbrachtova and Nové Dvory. Construction is set to begin in the coming period following the resolution of a legal challenge.

What Is the Full Scope of This Project?

This contract covers the construction of 6 km of tunnels and three new underground stations, forming a critical segment of the wider Prague Metro Line D project. The full Line D will ultimately span 10.6 km with 10 stations, built in three phases to connect Pankrác, Nové Dvory, Písnice, and Náměstí Míru. The line will feature a Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system for automated operations, with 100-metre-long, five-car trains designed to carry 525 passengers each at speeds up to 80 km/h.

Key Project Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Projects?

The EUR 1.2 billion value for this single 6 km metro construction contract places it on par with major international corporate technology acquisitions. For scale, this investment is nearly identical to the EUR 1.21 billion that technology firm Hexagon paid to acquire Baker Hughes’ advanced inspection unit, Waygate Technologies. (Source: Hexagon, 2024). A detailed cost breakdown per kilometre or per station for the Line D project was not disclosed in the announcement, making direct comparisons with other metro construction projects difficult without further data.

Editor’s Analysis

This contract award, secured after the dismissal of a competitor’s legal appeal, provides crucial momentum for one of Prague’s most significant infrastructure investments. The project’s commitment to a CBTC automated signalling system aligns with the broader Czech railway market’s push towards digitalization and modernization. This investment not only addresses urban congestion but also establishes a key domestic benchmark for the deployment of advanced signalling technology, reflecting a national trend of upgrading rail infrastructure for improved safety and efficiency. (Source: Czech Railway Signalling Market Analysis, 2025).

FAQ

Q: Who won the contract for the new Prague metro section?
A: The contract was awarded to a consortium comprising Subterra, Hochtief CZ, Hochtief Infrastructure, and BeMo Tunnelling. The decision was finalized after the Czech Competition Authority rejected an appeal from a rival consortium led by Strabag.

Q: What technology will the new Line D use?
A: The new Line D will be fully automated using a Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system for driverless operation. The line is also being designed to maintain compatibility with the existing metro network on specific connecting sections.

Q: When will the entire Prague Metro Line D be finished?
A: This specific section between Olbrachtova and Nové Dvory is scheduled for completion in 2029. The entire 10.6 km line, which is being built in three phases, is expected to be fully operational in 2032.