Poland’s Nuclear Rail: PKP, Torpol, & New Line for 2029

Introduction

PKP Polish Railway Lines (PKP PLK) has awarded Torpol a PLN 1.77 billion (EUR 416 million) contract to modernize and construct rail access to a planned nuclear power plant in northern Poland, with completion expected by 2029.

Project Scope and Funding

The project, valued at PLN 1.5 billion (EUR 353 million), includes the modernization of the railway route from Lębork to Łeba and the construction of a new line section towards the Lubiatowo–Kopalino nuclear power plant and Choczewo. The project is financed by the state budget.

Railway Line Modernization

A 32-km section of railway line No. 229 between Lębork and Łeba will be modernized and electrified. Seven stations and stops will be rebuilt, with one new stop added. Platforms will be upgraded to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility. Upon completion, trains will operate at speeds up to 120 km/h. This modernization aims to enable year-round passenger services, which currently run only during the summer season.

New Line Construction

Construction will commence on a new 30-km electrified section of line No. 230 near Steknica station, leading to the Lubiatowo–Kopalino nuclear power plant and Choczewo station. This line will include six new stations and stops, with reconstruction of the existing Choczewo station. Passenger trains will reach speeds up to 160 km/h, while freight trains will operate at 120 km/h. The stations are designed to handle freight trains up to 750 metres long with an axle load of 22.5 tonnes to support material delivery to the power plant.

Infrastructure and Future Developments

The project encompasses the construction or modernization of 115 engineering structures, including bridges, viaducts, underpasses, wildlife crossings, and culverts. New signalling and control systems will be installed, and rail–road crossings will be improved. An agreement was also signed in September 2025 for renovation works on line No. 229 between Kartuzy and Lębork. The third stage of the project will involve modernizing line No. 230 between Wejherowo and Choczewo, with the contractor to be selected in the second quarter of 2026. All works are scheduled for completion in 2029.

Conclusion

The project aims to provide essential rail transport for the construction and operation of the nuclear power plant and enhance travel opportunities in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. The project is scheduled for completion in 2029.

Company Summary

PKP Polish Railway Lines (PKP PLK): Signed a contract for the modernization and construction works ensuring the rail access to nuclear power plant in northern Poland.

Torpol: Will be carrying out the modernization and construction works ensuring the rail access to nuclear power plant.

Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe: Is responsible for the construction of the nuclear power plant within the Choczewo municipality in Pomerania.

Westinghouse and Bechtel: The project is being developed in cooperation with a consortium of Westinghouse and Bechtel.