The implementation of Poland’s Kolej Plus programme is being accelerated as the infrastructure manager PKP PLK has signed the third contract covering rail connections to Warsaw.
On 17 October 2022, Ireneusz Merchel, the CEO of PKP PLK and the Marshal’s Office of the Masovian Voivodeship signed two contracts totalling PLN 620 million (EUR 129.7 million) to create two rail connections between Sokołów Podlaski and Siedlce and from Ostrów Mazowiecka to Małkinia, after 30 years of suspension.
“These are two projects of enormous importance for the socio-economic development of the voivodeship. We hope that the implementation of new or revitalized railway lines will make it possible to better use the potential of the entire region. This is a chance for fast, comfortable and environmentally friendly transport,” Janina Ewa Orzełowska, member of the board of the Masovian Voivodeship said.
The rail project linking Ostrów Mazowiecka and Małkiniaw worth PLN 300 million (EUR 62.7 million) covers the modernisation and electrification of 20 km of rail line which will allow fast and convenient services to Warsaw. The route will provide increased access to railways thanks to 3 new stops to de built in Ostrów Mazowiecka Południe, Niegowiec and Błędnica. The platforms at the station in Ostrów Mazowiecka and at the Ostrów Mazowiecka Miasto and Biel stops will be rebuilt. All facilities will be adapted to serve people mobility disabilities. In addition, the new railway will also increase the rail freight traffic.
Following the revitalisation and electrification of Sokołów Podlaski – Siedlce line, the connectivity in southern Podlasie region. PLN 327 million (EUR 68.4 million) is the value of the contract which also includes the construction and reconstruction of seven stations. The appropriate height of the platforms will facilitate getting on and off the train and will be fitted for passengers with reduced mobility. Sheds, benches, passenger information system and new lighting will be installed.
The rail operators will use modern and energy efficient trains which will ensure a 30-minute comfortable journey. From Sokołów, trains will travel to Warsaw at speeds of up to 120 km/h in one hour and a half.
“Thanks to these contracts, the inhabitants of northern and eastern Mazovia will gain convenient railway connections after many years, the rail connections to Warsaw. The constructed and reconstructed stations and stops will facilitate the use of trains by all travelers. The new connections are also an impulse for the development of the region,” Andrzej Bittel, the secretary of state at the Ministry of Infrastructure said.
Under the EUR 2.74 billion Kolej Plus programme, 34 projects will be implemented in 11 voivodships. In Masovian Voivodeship ranks the third in terms of length of rail lines to be overhauled or revitalised. Under four selected projects covering 147 km of lines, 97 km of new routes will be constructed, 24 km reconstructed and 50 km revitalised.
“The Kolej Plus programme’s projects will increase the attractiveness of railway transport and will improve the living conditions of the inhabitants many voivodeships,” Ireneusz Merch said.
PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe has already signed two contracts under the Kolej Plus programme. The first contract worth EUR 122.4 million was signed for the construction of a new rail line in Łódź Province. The second one covers design works for a section part of North Mazovian Railway.
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