PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PKP PLK) has selected the contractor to design the Opole rail connection and restore the Racibórz–Racławice Śląskie rail line, which will provide Głubczyce and Racibórz with access to rail services. Valued at over PLN 15 million (EUR 3.5 million), the project is being carried out under the Government Programme for Supplementing Local and Regional Railway Infrastructure – the Kolej Plus programme.
“The development of the project documentation is a key stage in preparing for the revitalisation of railway infrastructure in the south of the Opole Voivodeship and parts of the Silesian Voivodeship. The project aims to restore passenger traffic with parameters allowing travel at speeds of up to 120 km/h,” said Janusz Pasierb, Director of the Silesian Region at PKP PLK.
The project will cover a new 54 km railway line that will allow trains to run at speeds of up to 120 km/h. It will also involve the construction and reconstruction of 13 stations and stops, along with improvements to safety at selected level crossings.
After more than two decades of closure, trains will return to Głubczyce. PKP PLK has signed a contract to develop project documentation for the revitalisation of railway lines on the Racibórz–Racławice Śląskie rail section (lines 177 and 294). This will help reconnect this area to the national railway network, improving transportation links.
The new and modernised platforms will be designed to meet the needs of people with reduced mobility. They will be equipped with shelters, benches, and energy-efficient lighting. The platforms will be built at an appropriate height to allow for comfortable boarding and alighting from the train, improving accessibility for all passengers.
The contract marks the first step towards reinstating passenger services in the only district of the Opole Voivodeship that currently lacks access to the railway network. This project will provide tangible benefits to the region by enhancing connectivity and improving the overall quality of life for residents.
Thanks to this Opole rail connection project, residents of 13 villages and towns will gain access to railway services. Four municipalities will benefit from direct services, making it easier for people to travel daily to work, school, medical appointments, and other essential destinations. The journey from Głubczyce to Opole will take around 130 minutes, and to Racibórz, just 36 minutes. These new travel times will significantly improve convenience for commuters and contribute to the economic development of the region.
“The restoration of the Racibórz–Racławice Śląskie rail line is not only our goal but also an important matter for local authorities across the entire southern part of the region, which is why this is a partnership project. The next stage – the implementation – will be much more challenging,” emphasises Robert Węgrzyn, Member of the Board of the Opole Voivodeship.
The project is being implemented under the government’s Kolej+ programme, which aims to eliminate transport exclusion by expanding the railway network with new connections and improving access to the most environmentally friendly form of public transport. The total budget for the programme amounts to PLN 13 billion (EUR 3 billion), of which PLN 11.2 billion (EUR 2.6 billion) comes from the state budget, and around PLN 2 billion (EUR 472 million) is contributed by local authorities.
The Kolej+ programme primarily focuses on towns with populations over 10,000 that currently lack passenger services to regional capitals, or where existing services need improvements. It aims to create new rail links and upgrade existing routes to improve interregional mobility, reduce transport inequalities, and promote sustainable transport options.
This project is an example of how Poland is working towards expanding its railway network and providing better access to transportation for regions that have been left behind. The programme offers an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to road transport, which is becoming increasingly congested and harmful to the environment.
The new routes created under the Kolej+ programme will allow passengers to travel between towns and cities with greater ease, helping to stimulate local economies, reduce traffic congestion, and contribute to a more sustainable future. By offering a reliable and green transport option, this project also aims to encourage more people to choose rail travel over cars, helping to reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
The investment projects under the programme can be financed up to 85% from the Kolej+ funds, with a minimum of 15% co-financing from local governments. This funding model encourages local authorities to participate actively in the development of rail infrastructure, ensuring that projects meet the needs of the communities they serve.
As the project progresses, it will continue to bring lasting benefits to the southern regions of Poland, improving regional connectivity and providing access to public transport for many people who previously lacked it. The Opole rail connection and the restoration of the Racibórz–Racławice Śląskie rail line will enhance mobility, create economic opportunities, and make it easier for people to access jobs, education, and healthcare, thereby improving the quality of life for local residents.
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