The European Investment Bank (EIB) is evaluating the modernisation project of the Gdynia Chylonia – Słupsk rail section, situated on mainline 202 in Poland, with a view to providing financing. The total value of the project is estimated at EUR 1.5 billion, with the EIB’s proposed contribution amounting to EUR 400 million.
The project comprises the modernisation of the existing 100 km rail section, the construction of a second track, and electrification. Under the scope of works, PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe will modernise 29 engineering structures, five stations, three passenger stops, and two rail-road crossings. It also involves the reconstruction of electrical systems, the traction power network, and low-voltage power grids, as well as the installation of computerised railway traffic control systems. Additionally, four engineering structures will be newly constructed, and 24 platforms will be rebuilt. The project also includes the adjustment of technical parameters on lines adjacent to line 202.
Upon completion of both phases, 54 km of the line will be double-tracked, and 5 km will be reconstructed.
According to the Centre for EU Transport Projects (CEUTP), the value of the project is PLN 2.3 billion (EUR 547.6 million), with eligible costs of PLN 1.9 billion (EUR 443 million). Co-financing of PLN 1.6 billion (EUR 376.4 million) will be provided through the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate and Environment Programme (FEnIKS). The project is expected to be completed by December 2029.
In 2023, the modernisation of the Gdynia Chylonia – Słupsk rail section secured EUR 61 million in European co-financing under the 2014–2020 Cohesion Fund.
Gdynia Chylonia – Lębork modernisation
The full modernised route runs from Gdynia to Słupsk and is divided into two sections: Gdynia – Lębork and Lębork – Słupsk.
In November 2023, PKP PLK signed two contracts for the Lębork – Słupsk rail section project. The value of the two contracts amounts to PLN 1.85 billion (EUR 435.3 million) and is co-financed through the FEnIKS programme. Intercor won a PLN 1.3 billion (EUR 302 million) contract for the modernisation and construction of a 47.5 km second track between Lębork and Słupsk. Torpol won a PLN 562 million (EUR 132.2 million) contract for the modernisation of the Słupsk station.
The modernisation of the Gdynia Chylonia – Lębork section (part of line 202), which connects the Pomeranian Voivodeship with the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, is key to enabling faster train journeys. Once complete, travel times on the Gdynia – Słupsk section are expected to be reduced by up to 15 minutes.
Both passenger and freight train speeds will increase, with potential future upgrades aiming to allow speeds of up to 200 km/h.
To reconstruct the section between Gdynia Chylonia and Lębork, PKP PLK has launched a tender procedure, receiving seven bids. The total estimated project value is PLN 3.7 billion (EUR 879 million), with five bids submitted below this estimate.
List of bidders:
- Strabag – PLN 4.2 billion
- Consortium: NDI (leader), Track Tec Construction, INTOP SA, and INTOP Warszawa – PLN 3.5 billion (EUR 991.2 million)
- Consortium: Budimex SA and Budimex Kolejnictwo – PLN 3.6 billion (EUR 821.5 million)
- Torpol – PLN 3.3 billion (EUR 776.6 million)
- Consortium: Porr (leader) and Pomorskie Przedsiębiorstwo Mechaniczno-Torowe – PLN 3.6 billion (EUR 859.3 million)
- Intercor Technical Services Company – PLN 4.1 billion (EUR 976.5 million)
- ZUE SA – PLN 3.2 billion (EUR 757.6 million)
The scope of the project includes the modernisation and expansion of the railway line, as well as the reconstruction and upgrading of existing stations and stops. It also covers the construction of new stops, a tunnel, and additional tracks for the SKM (Szybka Kolej Miejska) – the Tricity’s fast urban railway system serving Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia.
A key component of the project is the construction of a tunnel on Pucka Street in the city of Gdynia. This tunnel is intended to provide a grade-separated crossing beneath the railway tracks of lines 202 (Gdynia–Słupsk) and 201 (to Gdynia Port), in the Chylonia district, near the junction with Chylońska Street.
As of mid-2024, attention has focused on building a viaduct over the tracks on Pucka Street, close to Gdynia Port station. This viaduct is being built to replace two level crossings near the freight lines (line 201).
Meanwhile, the tunnel under line 202 remains in the planning stage and awaits a separate construction contract. The tunnel is expected to be built following the completion of the viaduct, with plans dating back several years. Some estimates suggest its completion could occur by 2027 or later.
Once the investment is fully completed, the upgraded line will allow passenger trains to operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h, and up to 200 km/h on the section between Lębork and Kobylnica Słupska stations. Freight trains will be able to run at speeds of up to 120 km/h. The adopted technical solutions will also enable the future implementation of the ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System).
This is currently one of the largest infrastructure investments in the Pomerania region, aimed at increasing rail capacity and reducing journey times.
Share on:
