Polish rail freight hits decade low amid modernization concerns

Despite billions of zlotys invested in railway infrastructure over decades, rail freight transport in Poland is declining. In 2025, railways carried 217.8 million tons of cargo, a 2.5% drop from the previous year, marking the lowest level in the 21st century, according to the Office of Railway Transport (UTK).

During consultations, freight carriers voiced significant concerns regarding the technical aspects of ongoing modernization works. They pointed to the elimination of passing loops and sidings, and a general reduction in capacity on upgraded sections. Carriers noted that modernizations often seem to primarily benefit passenger services, while the commercial speed of freight trains remains low. The lack of passing loops forces freight trains to yield to faster passenger services, preventing them from entering tracks and causing delays.

These concerns were echoed by the Supreme Audit Office (NIK), which investigated eight railway investment projects co-financed by the EU, totaling 8.49 billion zlotys. Their audit, covering 2017-2024, revealed flawed documentation, planning deficiencies, and ineffective project oversight.

Carriers are urging for improvements in technical parameters, including increased speed limits, higher axle load capacities, and the allowance of longer trains (740 meters and above). They also seek a reduction in speed restrictions on various sections. PKP PLK, the infrastructure manager, assures that all investments include a freight component and that parameters for freight trains are being enhanced. The company plans to increase permissible axle loads on over 900 km of railway lines by the end of the year, citing the Rozprza station, capable of handling 750-meter trains, as an example.