Railway tunnels in Poland are moving forward through a tender opened by Polish authorities. The works are part of the Podłęże–Piekiełko project. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Poland Opens Tender for Six Railway Tunnels
Poland Opens Tender for Six Railway Tunnels

The wider programme covers 75 km of railway modernization in southern Poland. It also includes the construction of new railway lines.

The tender applies to the new rail section between Kasina Wielka and Szczyrzyc, as well as the Porąbka–Stróża connection. Beginning in the Podłęże area near Kraków, the route will connect with the modernized Line 104. It will also improve regional rail links. Its main purpose is to support faster and more efficient transport between Kraków, Nowy Sącz, and Zakopane.

The investment is estimated at around 1.9 billion zlotys, equivalent to EUR 448.5 million. Construction is planned to take 38 months, or about three years.

Railway tunnels in Poland and mountain works

The tender covers 13 km of track in difficult mountainous conditions. On the Fornale–Szczyrzyc section and the Porąbka–Stróża connection, the plans include six railway tunnels with a combined length of more than 3.6 km. This tunnel package is part of the new route. It will link the Podłęże area with the modernized Line 104.

In addition, the works will require numerous bridges and viaducts. Some structures will allow trains to run up to 35 meters above ground level.

A new station, Kasina Wielka Północna, is also included in the project. It will be built with platforms accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. Also, elevators and underground passages will be adapted for easier access.

The project also includes road infrastructure. Planned works include viaducts and grade-separated intersections. They are intended to improve local traffic flow near the railway.

Podłęże–Piekiełko project and regional links

The tendered section is among the most technically complex parts of the Podłęże–Piekiełko project. This is due to the mountain terrain and the scale of the works. Authorities say experience from other similar construction sites is supporting the preparation of the project’s execution.

This section is essential for the rail corridor that will connect Kraków with Podhale and the Sądecczyzna region. Through the Porąbka–Stróża connection, trains between Zakopane and Nowy Sącz will be able to run faster. Travel time will be reduced to approximately 90 minutes.

The Podłęże–Piekiełko project is currently Poland’s largest railway investment. It includes the modernization and electrification of 75 km of track on the Chabówka–Nowy Sącz route. Separately, it includes 58 km of new track between Podłęże, Tymbark, and Mszana Dolna.

The same programme includes modernization and electrification of existing track and tunnel construction. Travel times are expected to be reduced by about 60 minutes between Kraków and Nowy Sącz. Meanwhile, the Kraków–Zakopane journey is expected to be reduced by approximately 90 minutes.

The project is expected to contribute to the economic and social development of the Małopolska region. It will also improve rail connectivity in southern Poland.

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