The Czech railway industry confirmed its strong international position and technological capabilities during the first half of 2026. Member companies of ACRI – the Association of Czech Railway Industry Enterprises – secured major contracts in Europe and overseas, expanded their production and development capacities, and introduced new solutions for safer, more efficient and sustainable rail transport.
“The achievements of Czech companies are reflected in major international projects – from AŽD’s signalling contract for the Rail Baltica corridor and CZ LOKO locomotives for Poland’s national passenger operator to Škoda Group’s growing portfolio of European battery train and tram projects. BONATRANS has also announced an investment of up to USD 93 million in its first manufacturing facility in North America,” said Marie Vopálenská, CEO of ACRI.
“These successes demonstrate the technological and manufacturing strength of the Czech railway industry and its ability to act as a reliable long-term partner to leading global manufacturers, infrastructure managers and transport operators. Czech companies develop their own vehicles, systems and technologies and successfully deliver them to demanding markets in Europe and beyond,” she added.
Czech railway companies are internationally recognised suppliers of rolling stock, railway infrastructure, signalling and control systems, wheelsets, braking and propulsion technologies, electronics, interiors, digital solutions and specialised testing services.
Major international projects and investments
AŽD, a Czech supplier of signalling, control and telecommunications systems, secured a major contract in Lithuania together with its partner UAB FIMA. The EUR 112 million project covers the modernisation, expansion and long-term maintenance of signalling and related systems on a section of the Rail Baltica corridor. The company also won new contracts in Poland and is preparing to launch work on a 44-kilometre railway modernisation project in Croatia, including the installation of ETCS.
BONATRANS GROUP, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of railway wheelsets, wheels and axles, announced plans to establish its first North American manufacturing facility in New York State. The project could represent an investment of up to USD 93 million and will bring the company closer to customers in the United States, Canada and other North American markets.
CZ LOKO continued to expand its international business after completing the delivery of 30 modernised EffiShunter 1000M locomotives to ZSSK CARGO. The company also signed a contract to supply 18 EffiShunter 1000 locomotives to Poland’s PKP Intercity and is pursuing further opportunities in Germany and Switzerland.
Škoda Group entered 2026 with a record volume of new orders and continued to expand its portfolio of electric, battery and hybrid trains, trams, trolleybuses, digital technologies and services. The group currently has orders for more than 100 train units and is strengthening its position in Central Europe, the Balkans, the Baltic region, India and other international markets.
Other ACRI members also recorded significant export achievements. DAKO-CZ secured new orders for braking systems for passenger trains, freight wagons and urban transport vehicles produced by major European manufacturers. DT – Výhybkárna a strojírna expanded its deliveries of railway and tramway infrastructure components, particularly to Germany. Wikov MGI continued supplying gearboxes and propulsion systems to customers including Alstom, Škoda Transportation, PESA, CZ LOKO and leading Turkish manufacturers.
OLTIS Group strengthened its role in European rail digitalisation projects, focusing on interoperable data exchange, electronic transport documents, artificial intelligence and predictive maintenance. RETEX launched deliveries of fire-resistant materials for railway seats and expanded its range of products certified in accordance with the EN 45545 railway fire protection standard.
Czech research and testing organisations also supported international railway projects. Centrum výzkumu Řež expanded its activities in Turkey and Australia and strengthened its testing and development capabilities following the integration of VZÚ Plzeň.
Supporting international business cooperation
During the first half of the year, ACRI supported the presentation of Czech railway technologies at home and abroad. At the Rail Business Days trade fair in Ostrava, member companies showcased battery trains, signalling systems, turnouts, braking and propulsion technologies, electronics, interiors and testing solutions.
In cooperation with Czech government institutions and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in New Delhi, ACRI also organised a business mission involving representatives of Indian companies. The programme included direct business meetings and presentations of Czech manufacturing, research and development capabilities.
ACRI additionally participated in Africa Mobility Days, which brought together representatives from Ghana, Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Gabon, Senegal and South Africa. Discussions focused on urban mobility, smart cities, long-distance transport, railway infrastructure, digitalisation and opportunities for Czech companies to participate in projects supported by the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative.
Czech railway technologies at InnoTrans 2026
The next major international presentation of the Czech railway industry will take place at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin from 22 to 25 September. A Czech national railway industry exhibition organised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and ACRI will present the country’s latest products, innovations and technological solutions to customers and business partners from around the world.
The Czech railway industry combines a long industrial tradition with advanced research, digitalisation and modern manufacturing. Its companies are developing technologies for battery and low-emission transport, automated train operation, ETCS, cybersecurity, predictive maintenance and interoperable European railway services.
About ACRI
ACRI – the Association of Czech Railway Industry Enterprises – represents companies involved in the development, manufacture, testing, maintenance and modernisation of railway vehicles, infrastructure, signalling systems, components and digital technologies. Its members supply products and solutions to customers in the Czech Republic and international markets and their activities represent almost 3 % of the Czech Republic’s GDP.
