PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PLK) has officially launched a tender for a significant upgrade of the Gdańsk – Gdynia railway, a key segment of the broader Bydgoszcz – Tricity corridor (line no. 201). The project includes the construction of a third track and modernisation works over a 12-km stretch between Gdańsk Osoawa and Gdynia Główna, as well as a 1.5-km section of line no. 202 that connects into Gdynia’s main station.
The contract, estimated at PLN 1.3 billion (EUR 305.5 million), will be funded by PLK’s own resources, the Polish state budget, and financing from the European Investment Bank. The winning bidder is expected to be selected by the third quarter of 2026, with the main construction phase running from 2026 to 2031. Completion and final approvals are scheduled for 2032.
One of the core goals of this investment is to significantly increase line capacity, particularly for freight traffic heading to Gdynia Port. At the same time, passenger services will benefit from improved connectivity, with enhanced stations and expanded travel options. The project includes the reconstruction of Gdynia Wielki Kack station and upgrades at Gdynia Karwiny, Gdynia Stadion, and Gdynia Wzgórze Św. Maksymiliana stops, enabling line 201 trains to serve these locations.
An option clause also provides for the construction of two new stops in the Gdynia area, all designed with accessibility in mind—featuring raised platforms, ramps, lifts, and a dynamic passenger information system. At Gdynia Wzgórze Św. Maksymiliana, two new double-sided platforms will be added and the underground passage fully rebuilt, integrating the stop more closely with Gdynia’s central station. Redesigned track layouts and new junctions will improve operational flexibility, particularly between Gdańsk Osowa and Gdańsk Główny, allowing independent operation of lines 201 and 202.
PLK also plans to build or modernise 40 engineering structures along the upgraded section, including bridges, viaducts, and culverts. A modern traffic control system will be implemented to support safe and smooth operations throughout the corridor. The upgrade is a crucial part of revitalising the historic “Węglówka” (line no. 201), reinforcing its role as a major north–south rail artery for Poland.
Beyond improving current infrastructure, the project has broader strategic implications. The modernisation will strengthen Gdynia’s position as a logistics hub by supporting the movement of goods to and from the port more efficiently. In parallel, it will open new possibilities for long-distance and regional passenger rail services, easing congestion, reducing emissions, and providing a reliable alternative to road transport. The economic ripple effect is expected to benefit the entire Pomeranian region and stimulate local employment in construction, logistics, and railway operations.
Bydgoszcz – Tricity route upgrade programme
Since 2021, a comprehensive modernisation programme has been underway along the Bydgoszcz – Tricity route. Completed sections include the so-called “Kartuzy bypass,” the upgraded line no. 229 between Glincz and Kartuzy, and a new segment of line no. 214 at Kartuzy station. The core work on line 201 has been divided into seven contracts, with construction active on the Kościerzyna – Somonino and Somonino – Gdańsk Osowa stretches since 2024. Total investments across the route now exceed PLN 2.5 billion (EUR 587.4 million), with most major construction slated to conclude by 2027 and final approvals by 2028.
In recent months, PLK has launched additional tenders to continue progress along the route. In June, the tender for the Maksymilianowo – Wierzchucin section was announced, followed by a PLN 927 million (EUR 218 million) contract signed in September for upgrading Maksymilianowo station. A tender has also been issued for the Wierzchucin – Lipowa Tucholska segment, with the final tender—covering the Lipowa Tucholska – Kościerzyna stretch—expected later in October. Once complete by 2029, this will allow passenger trains to reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, with freight trains travelling up to 120 km/h.
On the Kościerzyna – Gdynia Główna section, upgrades will raise passenger speeds to 140 km/h and freight speeds to 100 km/h—up from the current ranges of 30–120 km/h for passenger and 30–90 km/h for freight services. As a result, travel times between Kościerzyna and Gdynia are expected to decrease by up to 14 minutes for the fastest trains. On the full Maksymilianowo – Kościerzyna route, journeys could be shortened by around 20 minutes.
These time savings will offer more attractive rail services for passengers, while the increased reliability and capacity for freight will further integrate the region into Poland’s national and European transport networks.
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