Poland Rail Upgrade: Gdańsk-Gdynia & Bydgoszcz-Tricity Modernization

Introduction

PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PLK) has initiated a tender for a major upgrade of the Gdańsk – Gdynia railway, a pivotal segment of the Bydgoszcz – Tricity corridor (line no. 201), with an estimated contract value of PLN 1.3 billion (EUR 305.5 million).

Project Scope and Funding

The project encompasses the construction of a third track and modernization over a 12-km section between Gdańsk Osowa and Gdynia Główna, including a 1.5-km segment of line no. 202, which connects to Gdynia’s main station. Funding will be sourced from PLK’s own resources, the Polish state budget, and financing from the European Investment Bank. The selection of the winning bidder is anticipated by the third quarter of 2026, with the primary construction phase scheduled from 2026 to 2031, and completion and final approvals set for 2032.

Infrastructure Enhancements

The upgrade aims to significantly increase line capacity, particularly for freight traffic to Gdynia Port, and to improve passenger services. The project includes the reconstruction of Gdynia Wielki Kack station and upgrades at Gdynia Karwiny, Gdynia Stadion, and Gdynia Wzgórze Św. Maksymiliana stops, enabling line 201 trains to serve these locations. Furthermore, an option clause provides for the construction of two new stops in the Gdynia area, all designed for accessibility with features such as raised platforms, ramps, lifts, and a dynamic passenger information system. At Gdynia Wzgórze Św. Maksymiliana, two new double-sided platforms will be added, and the underground passage will be rebuilt. Redesigned track layouts and new junctions will be implemented to improve operational flexibility between Gdańsk Osowa and Gdańsk Główny, enabling independent operation of lines 201 and 202.

Technical and Operational Improvements

PLK plans to build or modernize 40 engineering structures along the upgraded section, including bridges, viaducts, and culverts. A modern traffic control system will be implemented to ensure safe and efficient operations throughout the corridor. The upgrade is a key component of revitalizing the “Węglówka” (line no. 201), solidifying its role as a major north–south rail artery for Poland.

Bydgoszcz – Tricity Route Modernization Program

Since 2021, a comprehensive modernization program has been underway along the Bydgoszcz – Tricity route. Completed sections include the “Kartuzy bypass,” the upgraded line no. 229 between Glincz and Kartuzy, and a new segment of line no. 214 at Kartuzy station. The core work on line 201 has been divided into seven contracts, with construction active on the Kościerzyna – Somonino and Somonino – Gdańsk Osowa stretches since 2024. Total investments across the route now exceed PLN 2.5 billion (EUR 587.4 million), with most major construction slated to conclude by 2027 and final approvals by 2028. Recent tenders include the Maksymilianowo – Wierzchucin section and a PLN 927 million (EUR 218 million) contract signed in September for upgrading Maksymilianowo station. A tender has also been issued for the Wierzchucin – Lipowa Tucholska segment, with the final tender—covering the Lipowa Tucholska – Kościerzyna stretch—expected later in October. Once complete by 2029, this will allow passenger trains to reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, with freight trains travelling up to 120 km/h. On the Kościerzyna – Gdynia Główna section, upgrades will raise passenger speeds to 140 km/h and freight speeds to 100 km/h. Travel times between Kościerzyna and Gdynia are expected to decrease by up to 14 minutes for the fastest trains. On the full Maksymilianowo – Kościerzyna route, journeys could be shortened by around 20 minutes.

Conclusion

The project’s modernization will reinforce Gdynia’s position as a logistics hub, improve passenger services, and integrate the region further into Poland’s national and European transport networks. The total investments across the route now exceed PLN 2.5 billion (EUR 587.4 million), with most major construction slated to conclude by 2027 and final approvals by 2028.

Company Summary

PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PLK): Is the Polish railway infrastructure manager.