Idea and Study Phase

This phase includes a series of studies (territorial-technical studies, HSL technical-operational studies and feasibility studies), which represent a comprehensive assessment of the feasibility of the project in terms of technical, territorial, financial, marketing, operational and personnel aspects. Economic efficiency, value for the society and variants for further preparation and implementation are assessed.

The feasibility studies also include transport forecasts based on the traffic model. You can find out what a traffic model is here.

The outputs of the feasibility study are approved by the Central Commission of the Ministry of Transport, which, among other things, recommends one of the options for further preparation. From the point of view of zoning, an output of the feasibility studies is a strip of land (corridor), generally with a width of 200 m.

Phase of Spatial Planning

At this stage, the corridor is usually 200 m wide and subject to an update of the regional spatial planning documentation, or spatial development principles (ZÚR).

The Principles of Territorial Development (ZÚR) establishes in particular the basic requirements for an efficient and economical arrangement of the territory of the Region, defines areas or corridors of supra-local importance and sets out requirements for their use, in particular areas or corridors for publicly beneficial buildings and publicly beneficial measures, and establishes criteria for deciding on possible variants or alternatives to changes in their use. The ZÚR also includes an assessment of the impacts on the sustainable development of the territory (VVURÚ). The HSL constructions are listed in the ZÚR as public utility constructions. This construction plan is further examined and refined according to the territorial conditions in the subsequent planning documentation.

Phase of Preparation of Project Authorisation

The phase of preparation of project authorisation includes all activities related to project authorisation, i.e. preparation of documentation for project authorisation, and at the same time the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process is underway.

EIA process

The EIA process is based on the examination and assessment of the potential environmental impact of the planned High-Speed Line structures. The scope of the assessment includes impacts on public health, flora and fauna, ecosystems, soil, rock environment, water, air, climate and landscape, natural resources, physical assets and cultural landmarks. It always takes place before the plans are authorised and before implementation begins. It is being carried out by the Ministry of the Environment as part of the preparation of the HSL. It includes the notification phase, discovery, documentation, public hearings and assessment, with the result being a binding EIA opinion.

In accordance with Act No. 416/2009 Coll., on accelerating the construction of strategically important infrastructure, as amended,
it is possible to initiate land purchases once the EIA binding opinion has been issued.

Project Authorisation

Project authorisation is a new legal instrument introduced by Act No. 283/2021 Coll., the Building Act, as amended, with the aim of simplifying and speeding up the permit process and ensuring the protection of the public interest during construction. The Transport and Energy Construction Authority (DESÚ) is a new special authority that authorises key transport and energy infrastructure projects – including the construction of the HSL.
At this stage, the requirements and conditions applied in the EIA binding opinion are incorporated into the project authorisation documentation.
Once the planning permission documentation has been drawn up, the authorities concerned are asked for their binding opinions and comments.

The project permit/authorisation documentation, including the binding opinions received, will be submitted to DESÚ, which checks compliance with spatial planning documentation.

On the basis of positive binding opinions, compliance with the spatial planning documentation and positive statements, DESÚ will issue an authorisation the project.