Project Profile: Warsaw’s Wilanów-Śródmieście Tramline

The Wilanów-Śródmieście Tramline is a critical 8km expansion of Warsaw’s light rail network, engineered to enhance urban mobility and provide a high-capacity link between the Wilanów district and the city centre. The project involved significant civil engineering works, including a new automated depot, advanced rolling stock procurement, and upgraded power infrastructure to support the city’s sustainable transit goals.

Technical Specifications

The core of the project is an 8km double-track route connecting Warsaw’s Wilanów and Śródmieście districts via 31 fully accessible stops. A key engineering challenge was navigating a nearly 22-metre elevation change between Goworka/Spacerowa streets, requiring precise gradient management. The infrastructure is designed for high efficiency, incorporating a “green wave” traffic signal priority system to minimise tram dwell times at intersections. Major preparatory works included the construction of a 1.2km underground sewage collector and the extensive relocation of existing heating networks to accommodate the new alignment.

The line is serviced by a new fleet of low-floor Hyundai Rotem trams, with 50 units specifically allocated to this route. The fleet includes both 24m and 33m variants, with the latter being the longest trams in Warsaw, capable of carrying up to 240 passengers. These vehicles feature advanced swivel bogies for navigating tight track geometry and noise-absorbing wheel technology to minimise urban sound pollution. Onboard systems include a Train Control and Management System (TCMS) for diagnostics, comprehensive passenger information displays, and an energy storage system for improved efficiency.

To support the expanded network, significant power and maintenance infrastructure was developed. This includes three new traction substations, one of which is Warsaw’s first fully underground substation, ensuring a reliable power supply. The new 12-hectare Annopol depot is a state-of-the-art “smart” facility capable of housing over 150 trams. It features automated systems for managing switches and signals, alongside comprehensive maintenance equipment, including a paint shop, car wash, and wheel regeneration machinery.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Connectivity: The project dramatically reduces travel time between the major residential district of Wilanów and the Śródmieście city centre, integrating a key suburb into the high-capacity public transport network.
• Technological Modernisation: Deployment of a new fleet of high-capacity, low-floor trams and a smart, automated depot sets a new standard for operational efficiency and passenger comfort in Warsaw’s public transport system.
• Sustainable Urban Development: Backed by significant EU co-financing, the line directly supports Warsaw’s low-emission transport strategy by providing a competitive alternative to private vehicles, thereby reducing congestion and carbon emissions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the Warsaw tram to Wilanów open?
The main sections of the Warsaw tram line to Wilanów became operational in stages throughout 2024, with full service commencing by early 2025. This new route connects the Wilanów district directly with the city centre, significantly improving public transport access.

Who built the new tram line in Warsaw?
The Wilanów tram line was a large-scale project involving multiple expert contractors. The primary construction partner for the track and infrastructure was Budimex. The new fleet of trams was manufactured and supplied by Hyundai Rotem, while the advanced Annopol depot was constructed by a consortium of ZUE and Yörük Yapı İnşaat.