Poland’s ZSK Project: Rail Network Expansion & CPK Integration

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Introduction

Poland’s Integrated Railway Network (ZSK) project, led by Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) and PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PLK) under the Ministry of Infrastructure, is progressing to detailed analysis, examining potential railway development scenarios beyond 2035.

Project Overview

The project has transitioned from a consultation phase to detailed analysis, involving experts examining approximately 10 scenarios for the development of Poland’s railway network post-2035. The anticipated expansion includes over 2,000 km of new lines, with around 1,000 km planned for completion by 2035. This surpasses the previous CPK “spokes” model, which primarily focused on routes originating from Warsaw.

Strategic Objectives

Maciej Lasek, Government Plenipotentiary for CPK, stated that the ZSK project aims to unify rather than divide, advocating for enhanced cross-regional connections to align with actual travel patterns. Deputy Infrastructure Minister Piotr Malepszak highlighted the goal of connecting all subregional and larger Polish cities to the rail network by 2035, emphasizing the need for regional connectivity.

Consultation and Analysis

Extensive consultations were conducted, including meetings in all 16 regional capitals, expert workshops, and contributions from over 700 participants, including local officials, transport operators, universities, logistics firms, and defense-related institutions. For the first time, the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW) and the Institute of Urban and Regional Development (IRMiR) participated. Piotr Rachwalski, CPK Board Member for Railway Investments, indicated that the scenarios developed through these consultations are undergoing detailed testing in collaboration with PLK to ensure compatibility with the existing network.

Key Infrastructure Developments

The ZSK project encompasses the analysis of about 8,000 km of potential new lines, with plans for at least 2,000 km of new rail, and 1,000 km to be completed by 2035. The network is projected to reach a total of 20,000 km by that year. Significant projects include the “Y” line Warsaw – CPK – Łódź – Poznań/Wrocław, cross-border links such as Katowice – Ostrava, and upgrades like Rail Baltica (Ełk – Trakiszki). Further expansion will continue after 2035, including high-speed, long-distance, and regional rail. The final ZSK recommendations are anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. The wider CPK project, which includes the construction of a passenger terminal scheduled to begin in 2026, an underground railway station and tunnel due for completion by 2029, and the airport opening by the end of 2032, integrating air, rail, and road networks.

Conclusion

The Integrated Railway Network (ZSK) project aims to create a unified and modern rail system in Poland, with final recommendations expected in early 2026. It integrates with the CPK project and its planned infrastructure developments.

Company Summary

Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK): A strategic investment designed to form the transport, logistics, and mobility backbone of Central Europe, integrating air, rail, and road networks.

PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PLK): A company involved in the expansion and modernization of the national rail system.

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