PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PKP PLK), the rail infrastructure company of Poland, is conducting tests on a ballastless railway track section at the Kraków Przylasek stop.
The 200-meter section, constructed last year on railway line Podłęże – Kraków Mydlniki, represents the first installation of this technology in Poland. The track design originates from Austria and has been implemented in countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Qatar, and Australia. It is being assessed for its structural durability, stability, and its ability to reduce vibration and noise levels.
PKP PLK, in collaboration with the Railway Institute, is monitoring the track's behavior under operational conditions. Final measurements are scheduled for September. If the results meet technical requirements, the infrastructure may receive certification for broader implementation within the Polish rail network, particularly in locations where minimizing track impact on the surrounding environment is necessary.
Ballastless track systems are often considered for railway infrastructure in areas with specific engineering challenges, such as tunnels or sections requiring reduced maintenance. The findings from the Kraków Przylasek tests will determine the potential for wider use, including on planned high-speed railway corridors.
