Czech Republic: The project is being run by AŽD Praha, a company specialising in signalling and automatic train operation technology. It has already delivered a Tatra KT8D5R.N2 vehicle to its Kopidlno–Dolní Bousov test line.
The project’s stated aim is to demonstrate the potential of simple, relatively low-cost vehicles for passenger services on lightly used lines and, in the longer term, to develop tram-train technology allowing through running across both tram and railway infrastructure.
Battery tram Tatra KT8D5R.N2 on the Kopidlno–Dolní Bousov test line. Source: AŽD Praha
The three-section tram, built by the Czech manufacturer ČKD in 1990, was acquired by AŽD Praha from Brno’s municipal operator DPMB. The purchase and subsequent conversion for operation on public main-line railways cost CZK 5.8 mln (€240,000).
The vehicle has been named LENKA (Lehké Elektrické Nabíjecí Kolejové vozidlo AŽD, Czech for ‘AŽD light electric rechargeable rail vehicle’). Its specifications have not been disclosed; according to publicly available data, the top speed of this model is 65 km/h, with a combined traction motor output of 380 kW.
During the work, carried out by DPMB at its depot, the bi-directional tram was fitted with buffer-beam marker lights and a headlight, a pneumatic horn, and signalling and radio communication systems to the GSM-R and 5G standards. The wheel tyres were replaced with wider ones to a railway profile. Battery compartments, cooling units for the batteries and a charger were installed in the centre section. The tram also received new wiring throughout.
Battery-powered LENKA tram-train, adapted for railway infrastructure under an AŽD Praha project. Source: D. Möschke/TransPhoto
AŽD Praha has now submitted an application to the Czech Rail Authority (Drážní úřad) to carry out trials. In the first phase, the vehicle is to be tested only on a closed section of line. The regulator, however, citing a promotional video released by AŽD Praha, accused the company of running uncertified rolling stock without authorisation. On its official channels, AŽD Praha stated that this was a “technological movement of the vehicle from the unloading point to the station only”, which could not be regarded as a test run.
