CPK’s “Y” Line: Poland’s High-Speed Rail Timeline

Introduction

The Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) project is driving Poland’s largest infrastructure investment, including the development of a high-speed rail network designed to connect major cities. The “Y” Line, a key component, will link Warsaw, Łódź, Poznań, and Wrocław with trains operating at up to 350 km/h.

The “Y” Line and its Timeline

The flagship “Y” Line is designed to connect Warsaw, Łódź, Poznań, and Wrocław. The Warsaw–Łódź section is scheduled for completion in 2032, coinciding with the launch of the new CPK Airport. The entire 480 km “Y” network is slated to be operational by 2035. Construction in Łódź is underway, including the construction of a 4.6 km, 14 m diameter tunnel, which will be Poland’s longest high-speed tunnel. PORR has been awarded a contract worth approximately PLN 2.2 billion, with completion expected by 2029. The 140-kilometre Warsaw–CPK–Łódź route has been divided into 12 sections. CPK has already submitted five location applications for the Warsaw–CPK stretch and three of seven planned for the CPK–Łódź section.

International Partnerships and Knowledge Exchange

CPK is strengthening its international partnerships to build the high-speed network. A cooperation agreement has been established with ADIF, Spain’s railway infrastructure manager, to share expertise. ADIF has conducted expert workshops at CPK’s request, and a Polish delegation met with ADIF in Spain in March 2025. Discussions focused on the liberalization of long-distance passenger services and high-speed rail rollout. CPK also signed an agreement with Korea National Railway (KNR), the operator of the KTX system. CPK is collaborating with INECO, a Spanish firm, providing technical consulting on various aspects of the project. This collaboration includes workshops, technical reports, and knowledge exchange on track installation, traffic control, and telecoms.

Alignment with EU Standards and Funding

CPK’s rail investments are aligned with the EU’s Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) policy. The “Y” Line and its extensions will form part of the TEN-T Core Network, connecting Poland with key European corridors. This ensures interoperability with European standards, including ERTMS, and access to EU funding.

CPK Airport and Integrated Transport

The new CPK Airport, located between Warsaw and Łódź, is central to the project. It is designed to handle 40 million passengers in its first phase and will integrate with the high-speed rail system. Travelers from Wrocław, Poznań, or Kraków will be able to reach the airport in under two hours without changing transport modes.

Conclusion

The CPK project is focused on the development of a high-speed rail network, including the “Y” Line, and the new CPK Airport. International collaborations and alignment with EU standards are key components of this infrastructure investment, which will link Polish cities and integrate with European transport corridors.

Company Summary

ADIF: Spain’s railway infrastructure manager.

CPK: Centralny Port Komunikacyjny, spearheading Poland’s largest infrastructure investment.

INECO: The Spanish firm providing technical consulting on various aspects of the project.

KNR: Korea National Railway, operator of the KTX system.

PORR: The company awarded the contract for the construction of the Łódź tunnel.

Technology

ERTMS: European Rail Traffic Management System.

HSR: High-Speed Rail.