Poland Rail Upgrade: Szczyrzyc-Tymbark Line & Podłęże-Piekiełko

Introduction

PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe and a consortium comprising Budimex, Budimex Kolejnictwo, and Gülermak have finalized a construction contract for the Szczyrzyc – Tymbark rail section, a component of the Podłęże–Piekiełko rail line project. This significant investment is underway in southern Poland.

Contract Details and Timeline

The contract spans 46 months (4 years), with a completion target of mid-2029. The project will establish a modern railway line between Szczyrzyc and Tymbark, designed for passenger train speeds up to 160 km/h and freight trains up to 120 km/h. The project’s value is PLN 1.7 billion (EUR 400 million), funded by the state budget.

Infrastructure Development

The Szczyrzyc – Tymbark section will see the construction of tracks, tunnels, viaducts, and bridges by mid-2029. The 8 km rail section will traverse foothill terrain and incorporate two tunnels, totaling 4.8 km (one 3.8 km tunnel and another 1 km tunnel). The project scope also includes railway bridges and viaducts. An overhead electrification system and a digital train traffic control system, adhering to European standards, will be implemented. All level crossings with local roads will be grade-separated.

Station and Route Enhancements

A new stop will be constructed midway along the section, designed for accessibility with ramps and guiding paths for people with reduced mobility. The stop will feature shelters, benches, information boards, and bicycle racks, offering access to destinations like Limanowa, Mszana Dolna, and Gdów. The new section will facilitate train operations from Kraków towards Limanowa and Nowy Sącz.

Project Context and Broader Impact

According to Mateusz Wanat, Director of the Southern Region, Centre for Investment Implementation at PKP PLK, the contract signifies a key step in the Podłęże–Piekiełko project. He stated that, “Until now, we have mainly focused on the modernisation of the existing 19th-century railway line no. 104 [part of this project which will be modenised]. We’ve now signed a contract to build line no. 622 – a completely new route that will ultimately provide a convenient rail connection between Kraków, Limanowa, and Nowy Sącz.” The Szczyrzyc – Tymbark rail section is part of the largest railway investment in southern Poland. Construction is progressing on five sections of the modernised line no. 104 (Chabówka–Nowy Sącz), with contractors active at Limanowa station and on the Limanowa – Klęczany – Nowy Sącz section, Chabówka – Rabka Zaryte, and Rabka Zaryte – Mszana Dolna – Fornale sections. Trains resumed service on the first modernised section from Chabówka to Rabka-Zdrój in August, with further sections planned for operation by PKP PLK in the coming months. The new railway line is projected to connect Kraków with Podhale and the Sądecka region by 2030. The fastest trains will complete the Kraków–Nowy Sącz route in approximately 60 minutes, while the journey from Kraków to Zakopane will take around 90 minutes. The investment aims to boost regional economic and social development, improving transport, tourism, and connectivity in Małopolska (Lesser Poland).

Conclusion

The Szczyrzyc – Tymbark rail section project, a component of the Podłęże–Piekiełko rail line, will be completed by mid-2029, according to the construction contract signed by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe and a consortium including Budimex, Budimex Kolejnictwo, and Gülermak. This project, valued at PLN 1.7 billion (EUR 400 million), includes new infrastructure, station upgrades, and is part of a broader initiative to improve rail connectivity in southern Poland, with completion expected by 2030.

Company Summary

PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe:

No information available in the source.

Budimex:

No information available in the source.

Budimex Kolejnictwo:

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Gülermak:

No information available in the source.