PLK Ends Łódź Tunnel Contract; TBM Dug 1.5km In 4.5 Years

PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PLK), Poland’s railway infrastructure administrator, has terminated its contracts with Przedsiębiorstwo Budowy Dróg i Mostów (PBDiM) for the construction of the cross-city tunnel in Łódź. The project was designed to connect the Fabryczna, Kaliska, and Żabieniec railway stations. The decision was based on resident safety, protection of property along the route, and the contractor’s failure to perform.

The termination covers three distinct agreements: the construction of the large-diameter main tunnel, the development of the Łódź Koziny underground station, and the erection of the Włókniarzy traction substation. PLK stated that intensive mediation with PBDiM failed to produce a viable path forward. Despite support measures, the contractor could not resolve persistent organizational, financial, and technical deficiencies.

A detailed analysis of contract documentation and expert opinions concluded that PBDiM was incapable of continuing the investment. “The analysis of the progress of the works and the contractor’s capacity revealed numerous fundamental problems, including a lack of necessary resources, insufficient experience in TBM technology, and serious financial difficulties, which led to the interruption of the works,” stated Marcin Mochocki, a board member at PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe. Mochocki added that dialogue did not result in a “realistic, credible, and feasible plan for continuing the project.”

The operational efficiency of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) was exceptionally low. Contractually obligated to complete the main tunnel excavation in 14 months, the TBM had only advanced 1.5 km after 4.5 years. Data shows the machine was active for only 17.5% of the total project time. Since November 10, 2024, the TBM’s cutting disc has been blocked, with PBDiM failing to present a credible recovery plan. The contractor submitted 14 different execution schedules over the last 15 months, with proposed completion dates extending as far as August 2028.

The total scope of the Łódź city crossing tunnel, which is a separate project from the planned CPK high-speed rail tunnel, involves a 7.5 km tunnel system and 17 km of track. The infrastructure includes a 3 km double-track main tunnel and 4.5 km of single-track tunnels. The project also specified the construction of three multi-level underground stations: Śródmieście, Polesie, and Koziny. At its deepest point, the tunnel was designed to run approximately 26 meters below the surface.

The initial project value was estimated at over PLN 2 billion (EUR 477 million), with the original completion deadline set for this year. Financing included European co-financing from the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Program for phase I and the European Infrastructure, Climate, and Environment Funds 2021–2027 for phase II. The tunnel is of strategic importance, creating new east-west (Widzew-Fabryczna-Kaliska) and north-south (Widzew-Fabryczna-Żabieniec) rail corridors through the city for regional and long-distance services.

PLK has initiated procedures to take over the construction site and secure the existing works. The next steps will involve preparing for a new tender to select a replacement contractor. The infrastructure manager’s stated goal is to resume work as quickly and safely as possible, while also providing continued support to residents who were relocated for the project. Verification data from Tavily confirms the contract termination event but does not provide additional technical or financial details beyond the primary source.