Poland has launched its first procurement procedure for the construction of a high-speed railway designed for speeds above 250 km/h, opening a new phase in the Port Polska programme led by Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK).
CPK has initiated a competitive dialogue procedure, the first of its kind for high-speed rail infrastructure in Central and Eastern Europe. Applications to participate can be submitted until 2 March 2026. In the next stage, up to six contractors are expected to be shortlisted. The selected contractor will be responsible for both construction works and elements of the detailed design.
The "Y" Network
The section forms part of the planned “Y” network linking Warsaw with Łódź, Poznań and Wrocław. The infrastructure parameters, including gradients, curve radii, turnouts and a 25 kV AC overhead contact line, are being specified for operation at speeds of up to 350 km/h. Poland’s existing network currently operates mainly at 3 kV DC, with maximum scheduled speeds of 200 km/h on the Warsaw–Gdańsk line and up to 250 km/h planned on the Central Railway Main Line.
According to forecasts referenced by the project promoter, the Warsaw–Łódź corridor is expected to attract a substantial share of long-distance rail demand in Poland once in operation. The initial 13 km section is the first construction package of the Warsaw–Łódź route, regarded as the core of the wider high-speed rail network.
The tender procedure is divided into two phases, with selection criteria focused on contractors’ experience in completed construction projects, including work delivered in Poland. Bid evaluation will be based on price and the length of the warranty period offered.
Progress of preparatory works
Preparatory works for the Warsaw–Łódź line are progressing. In December 2025, enforcement proceedings related to archaeological surveys were initiated for a 120 km section of the route, with further surveys planned. Design work is close to completion, and 10 out of 12 applications for location decisions have already been submitted. The first location decision was issued for a section near Warsaw West.
CPK plans additional procurement procedures in 2026 for further sections of the Warsaw–Łódź line, covering approximately 93 km in total, as well as separate tenders for signalling and control systems, telecommunications, traction power supply and the overhead contact line for the entire corridor.
Construction activity is also underway in Łódź, where works related to tunnelling for long-distance rail connections are advancing. This includes completed construction of the Retkinia launch chamber and ongoing works at the Fabryczna chamber and nearby structures. A tunnelling contract valued at approximately EUR 500 million was signed in June 2025, with works scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The Warsaw–Łódź high-speed rail section is planned to enter service in 2032, aligned with the opening of the new airport. Further high-speed sections from Łódź via Sieradz to Wrocław and Poznań are planned to follow by the end of 2035.
