Poland: Warsaw-Łódź High-Speed Line Secures Key Location Decision

Warsaw, Poland – The crucial Warsaw–Łódź high-speed rail line has secured its inaugural location decision from the Mazovia Voivodship, marking a significant advancement for the project’s development near Warszawa Zachodnia (Warsaw West) station. This pivotal 1 km section, which will feature a tunnel near Warsaw West, serves as the vital link connecting the capital to the Central Communication Port (CPK) Airport and Łódź, where long-distance tunnel works are already in progress.

The obtained location decision is instrumental as it integrates directly with the railway infrastructure design developed by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe, ensuring seamless incorporation into the broader network. Piotr Rachwalski, a member responsible for railway investments, emphasized the importance of this first decision, stating, “We have obtained the first of the 12 location decisions required. This important section near Warsaw West station paves the way for future investments. We appreciate the constructive cooperation with the Voivode of Mazovia and look forward to the next location decisions, which are essential for further progress.”

Strategic Impact and Project Progression

The Warsaw–Łódź high-speed line is a critical component of Poland’s ambitious “Y” high-speed rail network. Design work for the 140 km segment is nearing completion, with 8 of the 12 anticipated location decision applications already submitted. Furthermore, the project has secured all necessary environmental permits and 9 out of 14 required water management decisions, underscoring significant forward momentum. The Warsaw–Łódź section was also the first to benefit from the Voluntary Railway Acquisition Program, which has successfully acquired over 151 plots spanning 159 hectares, with over 95% of eligible landowners participating.

Operational Enhancements and Future Connectivity

This transformative project will dramatically reduce travel times between Warsaw and Łódź to approximately 40 minutes, a substantial improvement from the current 70 minutes. Passengers will also benefit from swift access to Warsaw’s Airport, with journeys expected to take under 20 minutes. Upon the full completion of the “Y” line, travel between Poznań and Warsaw will be reduced to just under 1 hour and 40 minutes, down from the current 2.5 hours. Similarly, journeys between Warsaw and Wrocław will be less than half their current duration. The Warsaw–Łódź section, receiving European funding through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) 2, is slated for an end-of-2032 opening, coinciding with the CPK Airport’s launch. The high-speed connections from Łódź to Wrocław and Poznań are projected to be operational by the end of 2035.

Industry Context

The Polish government’s commitment to advancing its high-speed rail infrastructure is clearly demonstrated by the allocation of over PLN 76 billion (EUR 18 billion) for railway investments until 2032. This substantial investment, representing approximately two-thirds of the current Multiannual Program, signals a strategic pivot towards modernizing the nation’s transportation network. For industry leaders, this news highlights significant opportunities in infrastructure development, signaling a robust pipeline of projects that will require advanced engineering, construction, and technology solutions. The ambitious timelines and integrated planning reflect a mature approach to large-scale infrastructure deployment, making Poland a key market for international rail stakeholders.