Poland’s Otwock Line Upgrade: Capacity, Safety & Speed

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Introduction

PKP Polish Railway Lines (PKP PLK) and Trakcja have finalized a PLN 1.4 billion (EUR 330 million) contract for the upgrade and expansion of the 107 km Warszawa Wschodnia – Lublin route, also known as the ‘Otwock line’. Construction is scheduled to commence later this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.

Project Scope and Funding

The contract is supported by the EU program “European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment 2021–2027.”

Infrastructure Enhancements

PLK intends to segregate long-distance and suburban train traffic on the Warsaw Wawer – Otwock segment. This involves constructing two additional tracks to establish a new configuration between Warsaw East and Otwock, thereby increasing the line’s capacity. This will facilitate an increase in train services between Warsaw and Otwock, as well as between Warsaw and Lublin, resulting in more reliable travel within the metropolitan area and on long-distance routes. Piotr Wyborski, CEO of PKP Polish State Railways, stated that the Otwock line is one of the most heavily used within the Warsaw Railway Junction and needs additional tracks, separating suburban from long-distance traffic means more trains, more connections, and faster journeys.

Station and Accessibility Upgrades

The project encompasses the construction of two tracks and the modernization and reconstruction of eight stations. Each station will be equipped with a modern passenger information system. All stops will be adapted to accommodate passengers with mobility difficulties. Temporary platforms will initially be erected at stations between Warszawa Wawer and Warszawa Falenica stations.

Safety and Connectivity Improvements

The Otwock line project also includes enhancements to community safety and connectivity. The project involves the construction of 21 new underpasses and the refurbishment of the existing underpass at Warsaw Falenica station. Furthermore, four level crossings will be eliminated and replaced with road tunnels and a road viaduct. The existing bridges over the Świder River will be reconstructed, and two new ones will be built under line 506. Noise barriers with greenery will be installed along the line.

Timeline and Previous Developments

The modernization of the Otwock line represents the final phase of the upgrade between Warsaw East station (Warszawa Wschodnia) and Lublin. By 2028, travel times are expected to be reduced to approximately 90 minutes from the current 1 hour 46 minutes, achievable by the fastest train. Previously, PLK added a second track between Otwock and Pilawa and rebuilt the section from Pilawa to Lublin. A new stop, Lublin Zachodni, was also constructed in Lublin. These works are part of the project “Works on railway line no. 7 Warsaw East Passenger – Dorohusk on the Warsaw – Otwock – Dęblin – Lublin section, stage II, co-financed by the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment 2021–2027.” Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure, commented on the significance of the project for passengers commuting between Otwock and Warsaw, highlighting the benefits of new stations, increased capacity, and improved railway accessibility.

Conclusion

PKP Polish Railway Lines (PKP PLK) and Trakcja have agreed to a PLN 1.4 billion (EUR 330 million) contract for the modernisation and expansion of the 107 km Warszawa Wschodnia – Lublin route, also known as ‘Otwock line’. The project, co-financed by the EU program “European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment 2021–2027”, includes infrastructure enhancements, station upgrades, safety improvements, and is expected to be completed in 2028.

Company Summary

PKP Polish Railway Lines (PKP PLK): Signed a PLN 1.4 billion (EUR 330 million) contract with Trakcja for the modernization and expansion of the Warszawa Wschodnia – Lublin route.

Trakcja: Signed a PLN 1.4 billion (EUR 330 million) contract with PKP Polish Railway Lines (PKP PLK) for the modernization and expansion of the Warszawa Wschodnia – Lublin route.

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