Wedoany.com Report-Jan 2, On the last day of 2024, the Council of Ministers has approved the updated Multiannual Programme for the Central Communication Port (CPK) covering the years 2024-2032.
The financial plan allocates PLN 131.7 (EUR 30.8) billion for preparatory, design, and construction activities related to both airport and high-speed rail infrastructure projects.
The revised schedule aims for the launch of the first phase of the CPK Airport and the high-speed railway (HSR) connecting Warsaw, CPK, and Łódź by the end of 2032. Progress is also expected on sections extending the network towards Wrocław and Poznań.
Railway investment: focus on high-speed connections
The railway component of the programme allocates over EUR 18 billion for developing the HSR network, including the construction of the "Y" line connecting Warsaw, CPK Airport, Łódź, Wrocław, and Poznań. The network is designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h and will use a 25 kV AC electrification system, differing from Poland's existing 3 kV DC standard.
Key milestones include the completion of the Warsaw–Łódź HSR line, including a 4.6 km tunnel in Łódź, and the integration of the CPK railway station with the airport terminal by 2032. Estimated travel times are set at approximately 20 minutes between Warsaw Central and CPK, and around 40 minutes to Łódź.
Additionally, the programme now includes funding for a 9 km tunnel under Odolany in Warsaw, improving the connectivity between the capital and CPK. Plans for connecting the Central Rail Line (CMK) with the airport have also advanced, with ongoing analyses for accelerating construction schedules.
Extended scope of preparatory works
The revised programme incorporates preparatory works for approximately 880 km of railway lines beyond the core "Y" network. These include routes such as Katowice–Czech border (towards Ostrava), Łętownia–Rzeszów, and several other planned connections across Poland.
Efforts under the Integrated Rail Network project, jointly managed by CPK and PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PKP PLK), are expected to outline post-2032 investment priorities. The first phase of these analyses is scheduled for completion by early 2026.
Supporting infrastructure and regional connectivity
While HSR primarily connects larger urban centres, smaller towns located near the "Y" line, such as Kalisz, Sieradz, and Pleszew, are included in plans for direct connections via existing railway infrastructure. These connections align with models observed in Western Europe, where regional lines complement high-speed services.
Additionally, PKP PLK's Kolej+ Programme continues to address regional connectivity and transport exclusion, supported by a budget of EUR 3.1 billion.
