Poland’s infrastructure manager PKP PLK and the Centre for EU Transport Projects signed a EUR 745 million (PLN 3.2 billion) financing contract under the Operational Program Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020 for the reconstruction of Rzeszów and Węglówka stations situated on Chorzów Batory – Tarnowskie Góry – Karsznice – Inowrocław – Bydgoszcz – Maksymilianowo rail section, part of C-E 65 railway line.
“The co-financing agreements are important for increasing passenger comfort and efficiency of freight transport. The reconstruction of the Rzeszów station, thanks to PLN 166 million [EUR 38.6 million] of EU funding will ensure a higher standard of service for all travelers, with particular emphasis on the needs of people with limited mobility. The co-financing of over PLN 3 billion [EUR 698 million] for the modernization of “Węglówka”, a line linking Silesia with ports [the Tri-City ports: Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot], will enable the increase of rail freight transport, that is company’s main objectives in the current financial perspective,” said the President of PKP PLK Management Board, Ireneusz Merchel.
Under the project, PKP PLK will reconstruct Rzeszów station that will receive modern and functional platforms, elevators, passenger information systems, a passage under the tracks, as well as facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. In addition, works are underway for the new Rzeszów West stop in the area of the viaduct over Aleje Wyzwolenia and reconstruction works for 4 viaducts in Rzeszów.
The investment is planned to be completed in the first half of 2021.
On Coal Trunk-Line (Magistrala Węglowa), PKP PLK will modernize over 200 km of tracks including the turnouts and traction network. The speed of passenger trains will be increased to 140 km/h and freight trains will travel at speeds of up to 120 km/h, improving transport of goods from Silesia to ports in Gdańsk and Gdynia. At Węglówka, 4 new local control centers will be constructed, and all rail and road crossings will be modernized, increasing the level of traffic safety. The Coal Trunk-Line is also important for passenger traffic. As part of the investment, 19 stations and stops will be reconstructed and two new stop will be constructed in Chorzów and Bytom.
The modernized section of railway line No. 131 Chorzów Batory – Tarnowskie Góry will also become an important element of the Katowice connection with the airport in Pyrzowice (25 km north of the regional capital Katowice).
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