The European Investment Bank (EIB) is currently assessing the modernisation of the Skierniewice–Łuków railway line via Pilawa, with a proposed financing package of EUR 550 million, representing half of the total eligible project value of EUR 1.1 billion. This project includes the upgrade of the electrified double-track railway on Mainline No. 12.
Spanning 160 kilometres, the Skierniewice–Łuków line modernisation also encompasses the construction of a new double-track railway bridge over the Vistula River, which will significantly enhance capacity and operational efficiency. The bridge will not only replace an outdated single-track structure but also ensure uninterrupted rail traffic during construction, minimising disruptions to services.
In January 2025, PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PKP PLK) launched the second tender for the modernisation of the Skierniewice–Czachówek section, valued at PLN 1.4 billion (approximately EUR 327.7 million). Earlier, before the end of 2024, the tendering process had begun for the Czachówek–Pilawa section, which is being financed under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) initiative. These coordinated efforts aim to ensure continuity across sections and deliver the full benefits of modernisation in a synchronised manner.
The reconstruction of the 66 km stretch between Skierniewice and Czachówek is divided into three subsections: Skierniewice–Mszczonów, Mszczonów–Tarczyn, and Tarczyn–Czachówek. These upgrades are aimed at improving line performance, increasing speeds, and enhancing safety and accessibility.
The modernisation of the entire Skierniewice–Czachówek–Pilawa route will allow both passenger and freight trains to reach speeds of up to 120 km/h. Passengers will benefit from newly modernised stations and platforms designed to accommodate people with reduced mobility, ensuring improved accessibility for all. Stations will also feature enhanced signage, lighting, and passenger information systems.
Implementation of the project is scheduled to take place from 2026 to 2029, including the construction works for the new double-track bridge in Góra Kalwaria. This upgrade will eliminate a significant bottleneck by replacing the current single-track bridge, thus enabling a greater number of trains to operate more efficiently on the route.
Both the Skierniewice–Czachówek and Czachówek–Pilawa sections are supported through co-financing by the European Union’s CEF programme, which promotes sustainable transport infrastructure across Europe and aims to remove cross-border bottlenecks and enhance interoperability across EU transport networks.
Under the 2023 CEF Transport calls for proposals, PKP PLK secured EUR 360 million in October 2024 for the E75 railway line (part of the Rail Baltica corridor), and an additional EUR 145 million was allocated for the modernisation of the 32 km Czachówek Wschodni–Pilawa segment of the Skierniewice–Łuków route.
It is also worth noting that the Góra Kalwaria–Kępa Gliniecka section is being co-financed through the CEF Military Mobility instrument, which supports infrastructure improvements of strategic military importance. This reinforces the dual-use function of rail infrastructure — serving both civilian and defence mobility needs.
In December 2024, PKP PLK launched a tender for the design and construction works covering this section, including the replacement of the existing single-track bridge in Góra Kalwaria with a modern double-track structure spanning the Vistula. The design phase is expected to focus on sustainable engineering principles and the use of low-carbon construction materials where possible.
Additionally, the railway infrastructure will undergo comprehensive upgrades, including tracks, traction power systems, and modern traffic control equipment. These upgrades will not only restore passenger services to higher standards but will also support freight operations at 120 km/h, ensuring reliability and competitiveness in the logistics chain.
Serving as a vital freight bypass for the Warsaw metropolitan area, the Skierniewice–Łuków railway plays a key role in promoting rail freight transport and encouraging a modal shift away from road transport. This supports both economic development and the European Union’s climate goals by reducing road congestion and lowering emissions.
Moreover, with over 60% of the project located within EU cohesion regions, this initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of these areas. The project not only improves physical infrastructure but also creates job opportunities, stimulates regional economies, and fosters better connectivity for passengers and businesses alike.
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