The arrival hall of Prague's main railway station has reopened after repairs

Prague - The departure hall of Prague's main train station was officially opened today after more than four years of reconstruction. The renovation of the station has so far cost the Italian company Grandi Stazioni approximately 1.15 billion crowns. To complete the reconstruction, the renovation of the historic Fant's building still needs to be finished, which, according to initial estimates, should be completed in about two years.
    The departure hall of the largest station in the Czech Republic was reconstructed while in operation; today's operational launch was merely formal. The operation of the hall was initiated by President Václav Klaus and his Italian counterpart Giorgio Napolitano cutting the ribbon. The reconstruction of the main train station is a real and tangible evidence of economic cooperation between the Czech Republic and Italy, Klaus stated.
    According to the General Director of Czech Railways, Petr Žaluda, the renewal of the departure hall has brought the main station closer to European standards. Its current condition corresponds to the level of European airports, he noted.
    As part of the departure hall reconstruction, Grandi Stazioni carried out demolition work covering 9,900 square meters, built a new check-in center, escalators, and elevators. They also established a camera security system, new restrooms, and spaces for shops, cafes, and restaurants.
    In return for the renovation of the main train station, Grandi Stazioni acquired the right to commercially utilize the station building for a period of 30 years from Czech Railways. They won the tender for the station's renewal in 2002, and have been renovating the building since December 2006.

> video from the festive opening