Port Polska Triggers Vital Tender for Warsaw-Łódź Rail Route

The Warsaw–Łódź high-speed rail tender announced by Port Polska covers a 14.3-kilometer section. The section runs between the airport hub and the Bolimów hub. It forms part of the planned railway “Y.” That route is intended to link Warsaw, Łódź, Poznań, and Wrocław. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

According to Port Polska, this is the second tender of its kind for sections of the future route. The procedure is being run as a competitive dialogue. Expressions of interest are accepted until June 12.

Warsaw–Łódź high-speed rail tender scope

The contract covers detailed design and construction work for high-speed railway Line No. 85. It applies to the section between the two hubs. The hubs themselves are not included in this package.

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Port Polska says the section belongs to the railway “Y.” The network is intended to connect Poland’s main economic centers.

At the same time, the route is being prepared for train speeds of up to 350 km/h. That standard affects track geometry, curve radii, switches, and level crossings. It also covers vibration and noise mitigation measures. In addition, the line will use Poland’s new 25 kV alternating-current power supply standard.

Design-build contract with 55 infrastructure elements

The project will be delivered under a “design-build” arrangement. Under this model, the selected contractor will use the existing basic designs. It will then prepare construction, technical, and shop drawings. Only after that will it move to construction.

For the 14.3-kilometer rail section, the plans include 55 infrastructure projects. For example, these include road and rail bridges, viaducts, footbridges, and animal crossings. Also, the contract includes the construction or modernization of around 30 kilometers of roads.

Up to five bidders to continue in the procedure

During the first phase, Port Polska will receive applications from interested companies and consortia. These firms are seeking to join the competitive dialogue.

Applicants will then be assessed according to their railway construction experience. No more than five potential contractors will continue discussions.

Project officials say they want Polish companies to play a significant role in the investment. Maciej Lasek is the government representative for the central airport project. He said the authorities want the investment to stimulate the local economy. In addition, he said contracts, experience, and profits should primarily strengthen the Polish construction sector.

Line No. 85 and the wider railway “Y”

The new tender follows the opening of bids last week for another section of Line No. 85. That section covers the route between Kotowice and the airport hub.

According to Port Polska, the full Warsaw–Łódź high-speed route has been divided into six sections. Two sections are already covered by tenders. Separately, the company plans procedures for 18 kilometers between Warsaw West and Kotowice. It also plans 12 kilometers within the Bolimów junction. Further procedures cover 37 kilometers between the Bolimów junction and Brzeziny. Another 11 kilometers are planned between Brzeziny and Łódź.

In addition, the company intends to launch two separate tenders this year. One will cover signaling and telecommunications systems. The other will cover catenary and power supply systems for the full Warsaw–Łódź line.

Under the official schedule, the Warsaw–Łódź section is expected to enter service in 2032. It is part of Line No. 85. It will also provide a connection to the new airport.

In 2035, the complete railway “Y” is expected to enable fast connections. Those connections are planned for Poznań and Wrocław.

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