Jiří Svoboda is a railwayman by education and in his soul who has worked his way through railways from the position of a train dispatcher to managerial positions and, in 2018, became the Director General of the Railway Administration. He is intensively focused on the repair of regional lines, transport safety, and preparing high-speed lines.
This year, the Railway Administration celebrates 20 years since its foundation. How has the operation of the railway changed in that time?
It has changed much more intensely than in previous years, mainly because of the coming era of automation, digitalisation and all associated innovations. I used to say, figuratively, that iron is controlled by iron, but this has changed radically in the last 20 years because the era of software and hardware has arrived, replacing the human factor and simplifying railway operations.
Digitalisation and modernisation are prerequisites for safe and efficient transport. Do you also see the application of artificial intelligence?
I have been asked this question before, but I do not see the potential in artificial intelligence in terms of operating and running the rail infrastructure. On the contrary, I would be concerned, and it is now a matter of debate, that because of the seriousness that is given to cyber-attacks and the vulnerability of any technology in general, I do not think it belongs in the operation of the railway infrastructure at the moment.
Ecological types of propulsion are used on the railways. Are you ready for battery-powered trains and hydrogen?
My personal opinion, I must admit, is very much influenced by neighbouring countries, where, for example, in the hydrogen field, one of the carriers in Germany, which has several such trains, albeit in units, is now backing away from it because it has found out how costly and operationally demanding it is and is looking for another type, for example, hybrid propulsion. The time is certainly here; there is no need to resist it, but it needs to be approached sensibly. I am advocating that we should have as many traction lines as possible in the Czech Republic. It still makes sense, and it will help the quality of the infrastructure considerably.
High-speed rail should bring a fundamental change in public transport. What is the state of readiness?
Let me start with a common phrase – we have never been this far in our preparations in the Czech Republic. We are designing more than 300 km of tracks in fairly good technical detail. We are no longer at the feasibility study stage for the main routes but are preparing for the first administrative procedure. It is going to be complicated. We have buyouts and permits to complete. However, I believe that we will be able to bring the largest infrastructure project in our country to a successful conclusion. However, this is not only the task of the Railway Administration but basically of all the state units concerned.
Thank you for the interview.
