Passenger trains return to disused lines in Poland after decades

After years of dormancy, Poland's railway network is being revitalized, with passenger trains returning to routes that had been inactive for decades. In the northeast, Łomża is once again served by passenger trains after a 33-year hiatus, while in the south, rail connections have been restored to Sądecczyzna after more than 20 years. These efforts are part of significant investments aimed at modernizing rail infrastructure.

The modernization projects are designed to reduce travel times, enhance transport accessibility, and strengthen the development potential of various regions. On the Pomorze coast, the railway line between Maksymilianowo and Gdynia Główna is undergoing a major upgrade, connecting the Pomeranian and Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeships. In June, after over two decades, trains resumed service on the renovated Somonino – Kartuzy line, which also saw the opening of a new station, Somonino Bernardyno.

Further development on the 27-kilometer stretch from Kościerzyna to Somonino includes expanding the line to double tracks and constructing new platforms at several stations and stops. Resumption of train services on the Somonino – Gdańsk Osowa route is planned for December 2026, with the Kościerzyna – Somonino section expected to be operational by December 2027. The entire project, including obtaining necessary permits, is slated for completion by 2032.

Another significant investment in the Pomorze region is the modernization of the Lębork – Słupsk line. This upgrade will reduce the travel time between Gdynia and Słupsk by fifteen minutes due to increased train speeds. Additionally, next year, after more than 30 years, passengers will be able to travel by train from Bytów to Trójmiasto via Kościerzyna, thanks to the revitalization of the railway line No. 212 between Lipusz and Bytów. The fastest trains from Bytów to Gdańsk are estimated to take about 100 minutes upon completion of all works.

Michał Gil, a board member at PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PLK) and director of operations, stated that restoring rail access to these lines, where passenger and freight transport has been absent for years, is a priority. For the Łódź and Masovian voivodeships, the re-establishment of regular passenger connections between Skierniewice and Czachówek is crucial. This approximately 64-kilometer section involves modernizing tracks, switches, and overhead lines, constructing a new signal box, rebuilding three train stations, restoring six passenger stops, and constructing or rebuilding 87 engineering structures. This initiative aims to improve rail access and travel efficiency for residents.

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Restoring rail access to these lines, where passenger and freight transport has been absent for years, is one of our priorities.