Introduction

Right from the very first lines, the development of the railway has always been linked to the rise of towns and human settlements.

Nowadays, in accordance with the global trend that is seeing the renaissance of this mode of transport, billions of crowns are being prepared for investment into railway infrastructure in the Czech Republic.

In Prague and elsewhere, this requires careful consideration of how cities develop in response to new or faster transport routes.

In other words, it is crucial to seek synergies between various investments to ensure benefits for as many city residents as possible.

Working together with the urban planners at IPR Prague, we have tried to formulate the basic principles for the responsible creation of a “city on rails.”

Each principle is illustrated with an international example to demonstrate that putting theory into practice is not only possible, but also effective.

01 | Investments in development around the railway

When investing in tracks, it is advisable to also invest in the planning of development around the new lines.

This is a joint project between the French government and the Paris metropolitan region, involving construction of new circular metro lines that connect suburbs without trains entering the centre.

One hundred and eighty development projects are planned for 200 kilometres of new underground lines to be opened by 2030.

Ilustration: Grand Paris Express

02 | Strengthening the urban function of the railway

It is important that investment in rail infrastructure strengthens the urban transport role of rail and generally improves the public transport network.

München Hauptbahnhof is one of Germany’s busiest stations and has been undergoing continuous extensive renovation since 2019.

The station links long-distance trains with a dense U-Bahn and S-Bahn network.

Ilustration: München Hauptbahnhof

03 | Public-private cooperation

With the planning and implementation of major transport projects, it is advisable that state institutions work with cities and the private sector.

Utrecht Centraal is the most important railway junction in the Netherlands.

The city helped renovate the station, including building a new town hall, alongside private investors who own a nearby shopping centre.

Ilustration: Utrecht Centraal

04 | Fast connections as a boost for innovation hubs

New, fast international links offer opportunities for the creation and development of technological, scientific, educational and financial centres.

Paris-Saclay, the French “Silicon Valley”, is a research, education and business cluster currently under development in the south of Paris.

It is connected to the city by a suburban rail network, to be reinforced by Metro Line 18 (Grand Paris Express).

Fast connections are ensured via the TGV high-speed rail line and Paris-Orly airport.

Ilustration: Paris-Saclay Cluster

05 | Conservation and reuse of station buildings

The industrial heritage of original station buildings should be tastefully renovated and integrated into modern operations or used for new purposes.

In 2007, two underground tunnels were opened under Antwerp Centraal Station, converting it into a through station and connecting it to the high-speed network.

The preserved late-19th-century Art Nouveau building was awarded the Europa Nostra Award for cultural heritage preservation.

Ilustration: Antwerpen Centraal

06 | Railway stations as part of a quality public space

The revitalisation of station buildings and surrounding areas offers the opportunity to create a high-quality public space.

Nørreport in Copenhagen is one of Denmark’s busiest railway stations.

Previously isolated by road traffic, its 2015 renovation integrated it into the city’s urban fabric.

The project established new links to the historic centre and prioritised accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians.

Ilustration: Nørreport Station

07 | Public institutions at transfer hubs

The development of transport and interchange hubs offers an opportunity to locate important public institutions there, improving their accessibility.

In Delft, on the country’s oldest railway line, two underground tunnels replaced a dividing viaduct.

A new station hall was built above, which has served as the town hall since 2015.

Ilustration: Delft Station