Poland railway sector undergoes fleet modernization and infrastructure upgrades

The Polish railway sector is undergoing significant operational and infrastructural changes. PKP Intercity is expanding its services, aiming to operate approximately 600 daily connections by December, despite upcoming major reconstruction work at the Warszawa Wschodnia station scheduled between 2026 and 2029. To modernize its fleet, PKP Intercity has signed a nearly 6.9 billion PLN contract with Alstom to produce 42 double-decker trains, which are expected to enter service by 2029.

However, the industry faces challenges. PKP Intercity has reported a decline in punctuality, with arrival rates dropping to 58-59% in mid-2026. Additionally, regional lines are seeing service adjustments, such as the discontinuation of the IC ‘Śnieżka’ route to Kudowa-Zdrój due to infrastructure improvements. In other regions, modernization efforts are yielding results; the Opole–Kluczbork line has seen travel times reduced by a quarter following track renovations.

Technological advancements are also being implemented, including the launch of a modern EN57AL train simulator in Lublin for driver training. Meanwhile, long-term infrastructure projects are underway, such as the planned return of passenger rail services to Jastrzębie-Zdrój by 2029, marking the end of a 25-year hiatus for the city.