ČD Cargo
ČD Cargo

Projects

CEF 2 2024

ČD Cargo has achieved significant success under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Transport program. It has succeeded with two projects focused on the rolling stock modernization, which will receive support from the European Union funds. Thanks to this support, it will be possible to equip almost 80 locomotives with the modern European Train Control System (ETCS).

These investments will increase railway safety, strengthen the ČD Cargo competitiveness and contribute to better interconnection of European railway networks.

Program description

The Connecting Europe Facility (hereinafter referred to as “CEF”) is aimed at providing European Union financial assistance for the development of trans-European networks through the support of projects of common interest in the sectors of transport, telecommunications, and energy infrastructures and to exploit the potential synergy between these sectors.

In the field of transport, the CEF focuses on supporting investments in the construction of new transport infrastructure, as well as renewal and upgrade of the existing networks. The main emphasis is being put on cross-border sections, removing bottlenecks and missing parts of the TEN-T core and comprehensive networks, as well as ensuring a safety of the infrastructure. It is also possible to obtain support for the adaptation of the TEN-T network to the requirements of military mobility.

CEF is administered by the European Executive Agency for Climate, Infrastructure and the Environment (hereafter “CINEA”), based in Brussels. CINEA manages European Commission programs that contribute to decarbonization and sustainable growth.

Project for the implementation of 50 ETCS L2B3 on-board units in selected traction vehicles within CEF 2 2024

Connecting Europe Facility Transport: Connecting Europe Facility Transport

Call name: CEF-T-2024-SIMOBCOEN-ERTMS-UNITS

Project name: Implementation of the ETCS on-board units L2B3 into selected traction vehicles of CD Cargo, a.s. (hereinafter referred to as the “Project”)

Project Reg. Number: 101232883

Project description

The aim of the Project is to equip up to 50 traction vehicles with ETCS on-board units complying with Level 2 Baseline 3.

The project is divided into 2 work packages:

  1. Project management
  2. Retrofitting – serial implementation of the ETCS in up to 50 traction vehicles of the 742.7 series


Within the individual work packages, thorough planning and continuous supervision of the activities carried out will be ensured. The management will also involve timely and appropriate identification and mitigation of risks, both from a technical and commercial points of view.

The maximum financial support for project financing is set in the form of a fixed unit contribution. The amount of the contribution makes €190,000 for each serial locomotive. The retrofitting will apply to up to 50 serial locomotives of the 742.7 series.

This project will contribute to accelerating the implementation of the ETCS in ČD Cargo traction vehicles and to achieving readiness for operation under its exclusive supervision. At the same time, railway transport safety will be increased and interoperability improved, which will support a more efficient and unified railway area not only in the Czech Republic.

The project implementation started on January 30, 2025, with expected completion by January 29, 2029.

Project for the supply and installation of ETCS on-board units in 26 locomotives under the CEF 2 2024 programme

Connecting Europe Facility Transport: Connecting Europe Facility Transport

Call name: CEF-T-2024-SIMOBCOEN-ERTMS-UNITS

Project name: Delivery and installation of the ETCS on-board units L2B3 into selected traction vehicles of CD Cargo, a.s. (hereinafter referred to as the “Project”)

Registered project No.: 101232885

Project description

The aim of the Project is to equip up to 26 locomotives with on-board ETCS components compliant with Level 2 Baseline 3.

The project is divided into 3 work packages:

  1. Project management
  2. Retrofitting – serial equipment of up to 24 locomotives of the 363 series with the ETCS
  3. Retrofitting – serial equipment of 2 locomotives of the 753.6 series with the ETCS


Individual work packages will provide detailed project planning and continuous monitoring of the implemented activities. The management will also involve early identification and technical-commercial mitigation of risks to minimize their impact on the project schedule and budget.

The project is funded in the form of a fixed unit contribution with a maximum amount of €190,000 per serial vehicle. The project includes serial retrofitting of up to 24 locomotives of the 363 series and 2 locomotives of the 753.6 series.

Thanks to this Project, implementation of the European Train Control System in the traction vehicles of the ČD Cargo fleet will be accelerated. At the same time, railway operation safety and interoperability will increase, which will lead to a more efficient single railway area not only in the Czech Republic.

The implementation of the project is going to start on 31/10/2025 with expected completion by March 30, 2028.