Poland is set to construct its longest rail tunnel, a 4.6-kilometer (approximately 2.9 miles) passage beneath the city of Łódź, significantly enhancing the nation’s railway infrastructure. Poland’s longest rail tunnel construction is a pivotal component of the “Y” rail initiative, designed to connect Warsaw, Łódź, and other major cities, thereby reducing travel times and bolstering regional connectivity.
Construction cost
The contracting authority has allocated PLN 2.8 billion (around $702 million) for the tunnel’s construction. Five bids have been submitted, with the lowest at PLN 2.166 billion ($543 million) and the highest at PLN 2.797 billion ($701 million). The selection process will evaluate offers based on price (70%) and personnel qualifications (30%), with a contract expected to be signed in the second half of 2025.
Construction is slated to commence in 2026, with completion anticipated by 2028. The tunnel is expected to become fully operational by 2032, coinciding with the launch of Poland’s new airport. Once completed, high-speed trains will traverse the tunnel, linking Warsaw, Poznań, and Wrocław, and reducing travel time to Łódź to approximately 40 minutes.
The project involves constructing a single-tube, double-track tunnel using a tunnel boring machine with a shield diameter of 14 meters (about Preparatory work is already underway, including foundation strengthening and the construction of assembly and disassembly chambers for the tunnel boring machine. The assembly chamber is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with the disassembly chamber following after the initial foundation work concludes in 2025.
Significance
This development aligns with Poland’s “100 Minutes” plan, aiming to create faster and more sustainable transportation networks across the country. By improving transit systems, the project is expected to stimulate economic growth, enhance trade, and boost tourism opportunities, while also contributing to the European Union’s goals of reducing emissions and decreasing dependency on road traffic.
Throughout the construction phases, strict monitoring will ensure adherence to deadlines and maintenance of quality standards. The project showcases Poland’s engineering expertise and commitment to sustainable transport development, marking a significant step toward modernizing the nation’s infrastructure.
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