Construction company PORR has been awarded a contract to build a 4.6-kilometre, 14-metre-wide high-speed rail (HSR) tunnel in Łódź. The project is valued at approximately PLN 2.2 billion (gross) and forms a crucial section of railway line no. 85, known as the “Y” line.
By 2032, the “Y” line will connect Warsaw and the forthcoming CPK Airport with Łódź. By 2035, it will enable the launch of Poland’s fastest high-speed rail services to Wrocław and Poznań. This infrastructure will also form part of the European Union’s Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), linking the North Sea and Baltic Sea corridors.
Piotr Malepszak, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure, stated: “The long-distance tunnel in Łódź, a key part of the ‘Y’ line, will allow high-speed trains to pass beneath the city centre, ensuring fast connections between Warsaw, Sieradz, Wrocław and Poznań. The project is backed by solid economic and operational data and is closely coordinated with PKP PLK’s metropolitan tunnel, which will improve travel within the city.”
The tunnel will be Poland’s longest and widest rail tunnel constructed in a single section using a tunnel boring machine (TBM). Measuring 14 metres in diameter and 4.6 kilometres in length, it will run at depths between 25 and 35 metres under the city centre.
Dr Filip Czernicki, CEO of CPK, emphasised the tunnel’s strategic importance: “The HSR tunnel under Łódź is part of a new railway line built to dual-use standards — both civilian and military. The HSR lines, CPK Airport and surrounding road networks comply with safety standards set by the Polish government and the EU. This project will be a vital component of Poland’s resilience system in times of crisis.”
PORR will have four years from contract signing to complete the construction. Work is set to begin later this year, initially focusing on detailed design and setting up support infrastructure for the TBM. Tunnelling will start in the “Retkinia” launch shaft and progress towards the “Fabryczna” reception shaft, with actual boring expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026.
With extensive tunnelling experience in Europe and approximately seven kilometres completed in Poland, including projects in Lower Silesia and Świnoujście, PORR is well-equipped to handle this complex urban project. Piotr Kledzik, CEO of PORR, said: “We are honoured to lead this unprecedented and technically demanding tunnel project. Our expertise in advanced tunnelling technologies and urban construction will ensure safe, efficient, and timely delivery.”
To mitigate tunnelling impacts, geotechnical reinforcements and structural safeguards will be implemented to prevent ground settlement and protect nearby buildings. A geodetic monitoring system will continuously track structural conditions, while experts survey and document the technical status and safety of buildings along the route.
The Łódź HSR tunnel is the city’s second major tunnel project and will primarily serve long-distance trains, especially high-speed services.
CPK: Transforming Poland’s Transport Network
The Central Communication Port (CPK) project is a landmark investment aimed at transforming Poland’s transport infrastructure. Set to open in 2032, CPK will be Poland’s new central airport, supported by a high-speed rail network and improved road links.
Strategically located in Central and Eastern Europe, CPK is poised to become a major international transfer hub, connecting Polish cities with European capitals and global destinations. The integrated multimodal system promises shorter transfer times, optimised flight routes, and seamless travel, boosting Poland’s connectivity and economic growth.
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