The Koruna 400m ($US 18.4m) programme aims to incentivise modal shift from road to rail. The funds will be made available to intermodal operators for the purchase of equipment such as containers and intermodal trailers, with the government covering up to 30% of the reclaimable costs.

The EC says that there is a need to improve the competitiveness of intermodal transport services in the Czech Republic and it is satisfied that the scheme complies with European regulations on state aid.

The permit for the scheme is valid for five years and expires in December 2023.

The scheme is being financed through a number of sources, including the European Union’s Cohesion Fund.