The first stage of the construction of Metro D from Pankrác is set to begin in 2019

Prague - The first phase of the construction of metro line D between Pankrác and Nové Dvory could start in 2019 and be completed by 2023. Prague plans to start geological surveys in September next year. A competition to find a company to conduct the survey should be announced this November. The city has also developed a construction schedule and divided it into phases. This was stated today by the mayor's deputy, Petr Dolínek (ČSSD). Metro D is expected to relieve the overloaded line C and connect the city center with residential areas in the south of the city.

"The construction of metro D lacks a schedule. I believe this plan is realistic. I will present it at the supervisory board of the transport company (DPP) and I want the management to start following it. The deadlines I have are achievable according to the experts," said Dolínek.

The construction is to be divided into four phases, with the first involving geological surveys. The city plans to notify the mining authority about the survey in February 2018, where a statue of Saint Barbara is to be symbolically placed at the construction site in August of that year, after which the survey will begin. "In the same way (drilling of the exploratory tunnel), DPP as the investor proceeded in the case of the access tunnel Markéta for the start of the drilling of metro line A at Vypich," said Dolínek.

In the second phase, according to the schedule, construction of the metro is to start between the stations Pankrác and Nové Dvory. "With the start of preparations for this phase in March 2017, the achievable deadline for the start of construction in 2019 is realistic," said Dolínek. The goal would then be to complete and put this section into operation by 2023.

Along with the second phase, the tunneling towards the city center from Písnice would start. This section is to be completed within the third phase. In the final phase, a depot would be created in Písnice. "Phases two to four can be combined according to the availability of land and building permits, or more detailed divisions can be made," Dolínek noted.

Prague still needs to acquire the necessary land for the construction. On Tuesday, the city leadership is expected to approve a proposal for an agreement with some landowners during the council meeting. The agreement will enable construction in Krč.

The costs for the construction from Písnice to Náměstí Míru are estimated at 50 billion crowns. The city plans to apply for funds from the European Union, from which it can obtain seven to nine billion crowns. "Dividing the construction into phases may result in higher costs, but Prague needs metro D, including quality preparation up to Náměstí Míru. If we keep postponing it to an ideal state, we distance not only the subsidies but also the existence of the metro," Dolínek said.

Metro D will connect the center with the southern part of the city. It is estimated to cost 50 billion crowns. The trains will be automated, without drivers. The recently opened stations of metro line A to Motol cost almost 20 billion crowns.