The topic primarily addresses the connections between individual infrastructure networks linking Prague and the region. In addition to economic and social issues, suburbanization also disrupts traditional natural and landscape connections. The topic further focuses on the integration of transport infrastructure systems, including road, highway, railway, and air transport. Regional links of technical infrastructure cover the supply of drinking water, wastewater management, district heating systems, natural gas supply, the nationwide electricity transmission grid, and electronic communications. Finally, the topic examines regional links to public amenities.

The territory of the City of Prague is predominantly a cultural landscape, significantly altered by human activity. In the context of green infrastructure, this fact presents a major challenge but also an opportunity to some extent. Prague's connection to the landscape structures of the Central Bohemian Region is ensured by regional and supra-regional elements of the Territorial System of Ecological Stability (TSES) (🡪 Fig. 4.1). The most important connection between Prague and the surrounding landscape is the Vltava River. Along its entire length within Prague, the river is classified as a supra-regional migration corridor of the TSES; however, it is non-functional due to migration barriers. No long-distance migration corridors for large mammals pass through Prague, although a section of the supra-regional migration corridor Karlštejn–Vltava Valley crosses western Prague and is partially functional. The Klánovice Forest and the Vltava Valley between Suchdol and Bohnice are functional supra-regional biocenters of the TSES, significantly contributing to the ecological stability of the broader northeastern Prague region and the Staroboleslavsko area. Prague contains approximately 100 watercourses. Their hydrological regime is heavily influenced by the characteristics of the surrounding areas, particularly the degree of impervious surfaces, which limit the infiltration of rainwater. To slow runoff and reduce the risk of flooding in Prague or downstream municipalities along the Vltava, the city's watercourses are supplemented with reservoirs, retention basins, and dry polders.

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Prague is a major crossroads of the highway and road network in the Czech Republic and the Central European region. Due to the historical development of the transport network in Bohemia, much of it radiates toward the capital city. Prague is connected to several motorways: D1 (toward Brno), D4 (toward Písek), D5 (toward Plzeň), D6 (toward Karlovy Vary), D7 (toward Chomutov), D8 (toward Ústí nad Labem), D10 (toward Liberec), and D11 (toward Hradec Králové). Additionally, major first-class roads lead to Prague, such as I/9 near Zdiby (toward Mělník), I/2 (toward Kutná Hora), I/12 (toward Kolín), and others. The incomplete Prague Ring Road remains a significant issue, with missing sections located primarily within Prague’s territory. The Prague railway junction is an essential part of the Czech Republic’s rail network, as well as international and European railway systems. It is the largest hub for domestic and international rail transport in both north-south and east-west directions. It lies at the intersection of railway routes connecting the Czech Republic with Slovakia, Poland, Germany, and Austria. The Prague railway junction includes 10 railway lines, six of which are part of the European railway corridor system. In air transport, the Václav Havel Prague International Airport (Praha-Ruzyně) plays a dominant role, both in terms of importance and traffic volume, for Prague and the entire Czech Republic.

In the overarching systems of technical infrastructure, there are significant interconnections between the City of Prague, the Central Bohemian Region, and other parts of the country. The city’s potable water supply is predominantly ensured by external sources, primarily the Želivka and Káraný water treatment plants. From Prague’s municipal water supply system, water pipelines extend to Kladno, Beroun, Roztoky, Říčany, and Úvaly. In terms of wastewater management, the capital city is currently self-sufficient and independent of the Central Bohemian Region. Most wastewater is directed to the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant. Exceptions include wastewater from some peripheral parts of Prague, which is treated at facilities outside of Prague such as the Roztoky and Miškovice wastewater treatment plants. Conversely, the Vinoř wastewater treatment plant also receives wastewater from several neighboring municipalities.

District heating, integrated into the Prague Heat Supply System located in the city’s right-bank area, is supplied by a heat feeder connected to the main source of the system – the Mělník I power plant. Prague’s natural gas supply is ensured by very high-pressure gas pipelines routed to very high-pressure regulation stations in Dolní Měcholupy, Třeboradice, and Sibřina, which feed the city’s high-pressure gas pipeline system. This system also supplies some municipalities outside the administrative territory of Prague. In the cadastral area of Třeboradice, the Družba oil pipeline and a nationally significant product pipeline pass through the city in a shared corridor. Prague is connected to the national electricity transmission grid at 400 kV via the 400/110 kV transformer stations in Řeporyje and Chodov. The 220 kV transmission grid connection is provided by the 220/110 kV transformer station in Malešice. In electronic communications, Prague is connected to the Central Bohemian Region via a network of long-distance optical cables and backbone radio relay links (🡪 Fig. 4.2).

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Prague hosts an extraordinary concentration of public amenities, distinguishing it from other cities and regions. It serves as a hub for national administrative bodies, neighboring self-governing institutions, foreign embassies, international organizations, and businesses. It is home to the head of state, central government bodies, legislative institutions, and nationwide educational, research, healthcare, and cultural organizations. Secondary schools in Prague cater to many students from the Central Bohemian Region, while specialized secondary and vocational schools attract students from across the country. Prague's universities are popular among students from the Czech Republic and abroad. While lower-level schools serve mostly local children, Prague’s healthcare facilities, especially specialized centers, draw patients nationwide. Its extensive sports infrastructure supports professional sports, and its abundance of cultural facilities is remarkable. Major cultural, social, and sports events attract visitors locally and internationally. Large shopping centers on Prague’s outskirts serve both residents and non-residents. Prague’s role as a catchment area places high demands on its transport and accommodation infrastructure due to the influx of commuters and visitors. This exceptional concentration of services underscores Prague’s central role in education, healthcare, culture, and commerce for the region and beyond.

Metropolis and Region

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Broader Relations and Context

4 Infrastructure