Project Profile: Warsaw Metro Line 2 Expansion

The Warsaw Metro Line 2 (M2) project is a critical east-west rapid transit corridor designed to alleviate urban congestion and enhance public transport connectivity in Poland’s capital. This profile details the technical specifications, construction methodology, and strategic objectives of the multi-stage expansion, which involves complex tunneling beneath the Vistula River and the integration of modern rolling stock and signaling systems.

Technical Specifications

The M2 line provides a crucial east-west axis, complementing the original north-south M1 line. A significant engineering feat of the project was the tunneling phase beneath the Vistula River, executed using advanced Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). This method was selected over the cut-and-cover technique used for Line 1 to minimize surface-level disruption in the dense urban core and accelerate construction timelines. The line is being constructed in multiple stages; the central 6.1km section from Rondo Daszyńskiego to Dworzec Wileński became operational in 2015. Subsequent western and eastern extensions are progressively being completed to connect the outlying districts of Chrzanów and Rembielińska.

The system’s rolling stock includes modern Alstom Metropolis trainsets, procured with financing support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). These units feature a single-space interior, advanced passenger information systems, and comprehensive accessibility features, including dedicated spaces for wheelchairs, marking a significant upgrade in passenger service quality and inclusivity.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Urban Decongestion: Line 2 directly addresses Warsaw’s primary east-west traffic corridor, a critical bottleneck, aiming to reduce private vehicle dependency and associated carbon emissions.
• Advanced Engineering Application: The project’s successful use of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) for excavation under the Vistula River demonstrates a key technological capability for complex urban infrastructure projects.
• Effective International Collaboration: The expansion is a model of successful public-private and international partnership, combining municipal oversight with expertise from a Turkish-Italian-Polish construction consortium and financing from the EBRD.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the full Warsaw Metro Line 2 be finished?

The central section of Warsaw Metro Line 2 is fully operational. The complete 31-kilometer line is being delivered in phased extensions. While several new stations have opened since 2015, the final sections are projected for completion in the late 2020s, subject to construction schedules and funding.

Who is building Warsaw’s second metro line?

Warsaw’s second metro line is being constructed by an international consortium led by the Italian firm Astaldi and the Turkish company Gülermak, in partnership with the Polish contractor PBDiM (Przedsiębiorstwo Budowy Dróg i Mostów). The French company Alstom is a key supplier for the line’s modern rolling stock.