Metro D, bridges, trams. Prague will increase investments in transport infrastructure
The Deputy Mayor of Prague, Pavel Vyhnánek, presented a preliminary draft of the capital’s budget for next year. In it, he proposes an increase in funds for strategic investments, which mainly includes large transport constructions, to 11 billion crowns. Despite this, he expects to further reduce Prague’s debt.
As far as the Prague budget is concerned, the legendary phrase “the resources are” still applies. The capital city’s income will increase from this year’s 92.6 billion crowns to an estimated 101.5 billion. As Vyhnánek, who represents the Praha seba association in the city administration, said during a meeting with journalists, rising inflation helps the city budget in this regard. The collection of VAT and other taxes is increasing.
Part of the additional income will be absorbed by the rising operating costs, mainly as a result of rising energy and fuel prices (in practice, this also means a higher subsidy for Prague Integrated Transport). Despite this, at least 11 billion crowns are reserved in the budget for large investment events. the winner of this will be spent by Prague on the construction of metro section D. The main investment applies first in the following overview.
- construction of the first metro section D Pankrác – Olbrachtova (costs CZK 13.7 billion, of which CZK 4.9 billion in 2023)
- construction of the Dvorecký most (costs CZK 1.1 billion, of which CZK 660 million in 2023)
- reconstruction and construction of the Industrial Palace (costs CZK 2.2 billion, of which CZK 1.35 billion in 2023)
- reconstruction of the Libeň bridge (costs CZK 2.2 billion)
- modernization and expansion of the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant on Císařský ostrov (costs CZK 6 billion, of which CZK 350 million in 2023)
- construction of tram lines on Wenceslas Square, from the Barrandov housing estate to Slivenc, from Divoká Šárka to Dědina and from Modřan to Libuš (CZK 1.5 billion)
- preparation of the construction of the Vltava Philharmonic (CZK 558 million)
- project documentation for the completion of the City Ring Road (CZK 236.5 million)
Pavel Vyhnánek added that Prague’s economy has been in surplus for a long time and that it was possible to reduce the capital’s debt from 31.7 billion crowns in 2015 to the current 12 billion. Nevertheless, the capital city would welcome the financial participation of the state in the largest projects, which are the completion of the City Ring Road and the construction of metro D. In other countries, it is common for the capital city state to participate in the financing of such constructions.
As for other sources, the drawing of money from European funds intended for transport cannot be counted on in this case. In terms of GDP per capita, Prague is too rich (at least on paper according to Eurostat’s calculations) and therefore cannot reach European subsidies.
David Tramba