Prague opens new passageway from Žižkov to main train station

Earlier this year, we wrote about a new underground passageway being constructed between Prague's main train station and the Žižkov neighborhood that would provide safer and quicker access from the city's main railway transit point and Prague 3.

Yesterday, the completed tunnel was officially unveiled by government officials along with a new railway station outside the city center at Zahradní město.

Those who live or work in the area, as well as students at the nearby VŠE university, now have much-improved access to the train station that will can cut down on commute times and ensure safe travel.

The passageway runs from the bottom of Seifertova street in Prague 3 to the main train station in the city center. While the two locations are just a few hundred meters from each other, pedestrians previously had to take a lengthy detour or risk dangerous (and illegal) passage over the railway tracks.

According to Prague mayor Zdeněk Hřib, thousands of people crossed the train tracks every day from Žižkov to the main train station, putting their lives at risk.

"Good news: No more dangerous [travel to the train station] across the tracks! From Žižkov or VŠE you can now easily get to the train station underground," writes Hřib. 

"Earlier, it was necessary to go to the station by taking a long detour through Vrchlického sady. Or, as I mentioned, across the tracks. But that was illegal, and put lives in jeopardy. Nevertheless, this risky route was chosen by approximately 150 people per hour, i.e. 1,800 per day. I am therefore glad that there will be no reason for this, and another public space will start to make sense for pedestrians as well."

The new underpass is barrier-free, and comes equipped with a pair of elevators alongside stairs and an escalator leading to Seifertova street.

"For citizens of Prague 3, the underpass means very comfortable, even barrier-free access to the main railway station and then to the metro," says Prague 3 Mayor Pavel Dobeš.

Along with the new underpass, a new train station at Prague's Zahradní město was also unveiled yesterday by railway administration.

The new station is located between Prague's main train station in the city center and the Prague-Hostivař station in Prague 10, and greatly improves access to the area as well as the nearby Sinobo Stadium.

The station is also integrated with tram and bus stops serving Prague 10 and the bustling Vršovice neighborhood.