At 10:00 AM today in Ostrava’s Trojhalí / Karolina exhibition site, another edition of the international railway trade fair Rail Business Days kicked off. It is regarded as one of the most important industry events in Central Europe lasting 10. – 12th June 2025.
This year, nearly twenty member companies of ACRI – the Association of Czech Railway Industry Companies – are actively participating again, presenting their latest technologies, products, and visions related to the future of rail transport.
At the opening ceremony, Minister of Transport of the Czech RepublicMartin Kupka stated:
“The railway industry is one of the most successful sectors of the Czech economy. With a growth rate of 2.3%, the Czech railway industry has outpaced the overall GDP growth of the Czech Republic in 2024.”
The railway industry also plays a key role in the Ostrava region and the Moravian-Silesian Region: “Škoda Trains are produced here not only for the Czech Republic but also for other European countries. The region is home to several leading players in the railway sector – for example, Třinecké železárny, a leader in rail production; Bonatrans, the number one in manufacturing railway wheelsets; and Borcad, which supplies train seats from Fryčovice to customers worldwide,” said Tomáš Ignačák, Chairman of the ACRI Presidium and Vice-Chairman of the Board at Škoda Group.
“We believe that the fair in Ostrava will not only be a showcase of technological innovations, but also a clear demonstration that the Czech railway industry has much to offer in the context of European and global competition,” said Marie Vopálenská, Executive Director of ACRI.
ACRI brings together over fifty member companies employing more than 23,000 people. In 2024, the Czech railway industry recorded total revenues of CZK 133 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 2.3%. Exports account for approximately 50%. Companies within the association cover the entire value chain – from vehicles and turnouts to electronics, interiors, and comprehensive digital and safety systems – contributing around 2% to the Czech Republic’s GDP.
Rolling stock showcase
Among the exhibitors are Czech rolling stock manufacturers Škoda Group and CZ LOKO, showcasing their latest products:
- Škoda Group is presenting the latest innovation in emission-free mobility – the RegioPanter dual-mode unit (class 690.2), a cutting-edge solution for regional rail on non-electrified lines. This train combines overhead electric and battery power, providing an eco-friendly and flexible alternative to diesel multiple units. Since December last year, it has been successfully operating on routes in the Moravian-Silesian Region. The manufacturer is also showcasing the ComfortJet high-speed train unit, developed in cooperation with Siemens Mobility and Czech Railways (ČD), representing a new generation of long-distance trains with operational speeds up to 230 km/h. Additionally, visitors can see the RegioPanter unit of ČD (class 650 233-0) – an electric regional unit playing a key role in the modernization of regional rail fleets in the Czech Republic and beyond.
- CZ LOKO is presenting its class 742.7 locomotives and the versatile EffiShunter 1000 (class 744.1), designed for shunting and light mainline operations
Other key ACRI member companies at the fair
The exhibition also features other ACRI member companies that play crucial roles in the Czech railway industry’s strong domestic and international standing:
- AMiT – Electronics and control systems specialist for rail vehicles with in-house R&D and manufacturing in the Czech Republic.
- AV R&D – Development and engineering center providing comprehensive design and technical solutions for rail vehicles.
- AŽD – Technology company specializing in signaling, control, and automation systems for rail and urban transport. Developer of ETCS and autonomous train technologies.
- BORCAD – Supplier of train seats with extensive business operations across Europe and worldwide.
- DAKO-CZ – A global leader in braking systems for rail vehicles with over 100 years of tradition.
- DT – Výhybkárna a strojírna – Leading Czech manufacturer of turnouts for conventional, high-speed, and tram tracks.
- FAIVELEY TRANSPORT CZECH – Producer of electromechanical devices for the rail and urban public transport sectors, such as pantographs, door systems, brakes, and couplings.
- LAPP – Supplier of cabling and connection solutions for railway technology and industrial applications.
- MSV elektronika – Specializing in complete onboard electronics solutions, control systems, and diagnostics for rail vehicles.
- Pars Komponenty – Manufacturer of specialized interior components, door systems, and technical equipment for rail vehicles.
- První Signální – Developer of innovative products for railway safety; supplier of control and signaling equipment for stations and railway facilities.
- Starmon – Supplier of energy and cable solutions for railway infrastructure and rail technology.
- T-CZ – Supplier of communication, radio, and radar technologies ensuring safety and efficient operation of railway transport.
- TTC CONTROLS – Provider of advanced automation and control systems for rail infrastructure and vehicles.
- Wikov MGI – Manufacturer of drive units, gearboxes, and mechanical systems for rail vehicles with a focus on reliability and technical precision.
