Poland High-Speed Rail Project has entered a major procurement milestone as seventeen companies grouped into six consortia advance into a competitive dialogue procedure for the construction of the country’s first high-speed rail section. Additionally, the scheme is being delivered by Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) under the Port Polska investment program. Moreover, the contract covers a 13-kilometre section of railway line no. 85 between Kotowice in Mazovia and the future airport hub. Furthermore, the section forms a key part of the planned Warsaw–Łódź high-speed corridor designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h.

Poland High-Speed Rail Project competitive dialogue advances with six consortia

Additionally, CPK will now evaluate applications submitted by six consortia. Moreover, all groups are expected to be admitted to the next competitive dialogue stage. Furthermore, the process focuses on design and construction optimization before final tender submission.

Meanwhile, participating contractors include Budimex, ZUE–Duna Polska–POLAQUA consortium, and TORPOL–MIRBUD–KOBYLARNIA consortium. In addition, Trakcja–PORR, Mostostal Warszawa–NDI group, and Gülermak-led consortium with Track Tec Construction and UNIBEP are also competing. Consequently, the field reflects strong participation from both Polish and international contractors.

Furthermore, authorities emphasize experience in completed construction projects, especially within Poland. Additionally, Polish language proficiency of key personnel was a selection requirement. However, final bid evaluation will prioritize price and warranty period.

Poland High-Speed Rail Project forms backbone of Warsaw–Łódź corridor

Moreover, the Kotowice–airport section represents a critical segment of the “Y” high-speed rail line. Additionally, the wider network will connect Warsaw, Łódź, Poznań, and Wrocław. Furthermore, the infrastructure is engineered for speeds up to 350 km/h using a 25 kV AC traction system.

Consequently, the project will establish Poland’s first operational high-speed rail infrastructure. Meanwhile, the 13-kilometre section integrates directly with the planned airport hub. In addition, it supports early activation of the Warsaw–Łódź corridor.

However, CPK plans to launch additional tenders for five more sections of the route, totaling approximately 120 kilometers of new track. Additionally, separate procurement packages will cover signaling, telecommunications, and traction power systems. Therefore, the project represents a fully integrated rail modernization program.

Delivery timeline and expansion outlook for Poland High-Speed Rail Project

Furthermore, the competitive dialogue process, contractor selection, and contract signing are scheduled for completion in Q4 2027. Additionally, all required location decisions for the Warsaw–Łódź line have already been submitted. Moreover, approval for the Warszawa West section was granted previously.

Meanwhile, construction sequencing will support phased delivery across multiple packages. Consequently, the Warsaw–Łódź line is expected to open in 2032 alongside the new airport. In addition, full extension to Poznań and Wrocław is planned by 2035.

Furthermore, CPK confirms strong participation of domestic firms to support national industrial growth. Additionally, government representatives emphasize job creation and technology transfer benefits. However, technical complexity and coordination across multiple contractors remain significant challenges.

The Poland High-Speed Rail Project is further strengthened by earlier European Union financial backing, which laid the foundation for advancing the Warsaw–Łódź corridor. Notably, the European Commission previously granted approximately €64 million in funding to Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) under the Connecting Europe Facility to support preparatory works for the Warsaw–Łódź high-speed railway line.

This funding covered detailed design documentation, permitting, and alignment studies for the 140-kilometre route forming part of the wider “Y” network connecting Warsaw, Łódź, Poznań, and Wrocław. Consequently, the current competitive dialogue for the Kotowice–airport section builds directly on this EU-supported planning phase, ensuring continuity between early-stage design and full-scale construction delivery.

Project Fact Sheet

Project Name: Poland High-Speed Rail Project (Kotowice–Airport Section, Line No. 85)

Country: Poland

Developer: Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK)

Program: Port Polska Investment Program

Project Type: High-speed rail infrastructure (first HSR section in Poland)

Length: 13 km (Kotowice–future airport hub section)

Network Link: Warsaw–Łódź high-speed rail corridor (“Y” line)

Design Speed: Up to 350 km/h

Technology Standard: 25 kV AC traction system

Procurement Stage: Competitive dialogue (six consortia shortlisted from 17 companies)

Contract Scope: Design and construction of railway line no. 85 section, civil works, and systems integration interface

Selection Criteria: Prior construction experience, Polish language capability of key staff, price, warranty period

Contract Signing Target: Q4 2027

Full Route Scope: Approx. 120 km Warsaw–Łódź HSR section (multiple packages)

Expected Opening: 2032 (Warsaw–Łódź line with airport), full “Y” line by 2035

Project Team

Project Owner / Client: Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK)

Program Authority: Government of Poland (Port Polska Investment Programme)

Government Representative: Maciej Lasek, Government Plenipotentiary for CPK

CPK Management: Piotr Rachwalski, Member of Management Board

Procurement Authority: CPK Infrastructure and Rail Development Division

Contractor Groups (Six Consortia):

• Budimex
• ZUE / Duna Polska / POLAQUA consortium
• TORPOL / MIRBUD / KOBYLARNIA consortium
• Trakcja / PORR consortium
• Mostostal Warszawa / NDI / NDI SOPOT / INTERCOR consortium
• Gülermak / Track Tec Construction / UNIBEP / PPMT consortium

Technical Scope Partners: Rail civil works contractors, systems integrators, traction and signaling specialists

Systems Scope (Future Packages): Rail traffic control (SRK), telecommunications, traction power supply contractors

Environmental & Permitting Authorities: Polish national and regional planning and environmental agencies

Future Operator (Planned): National railway operators integrating high-speed services on completion