THE European Commission (EC) has confirmed the allocation of more than €425m from the Cohesion Fund to finance the first stage of work to upgrade the 7km east-west cross-city line in Warsaw.
The project includes upgrades to track, overhead lines and telecommunications, which will enable line speeds to be increased to 160km/h, while simultaneously reducing maintenance costs and emissions.
Work also includes updates to water and sewage management, station improvements and updates to flyovers, pedestrian bridges along with the construction of a new underground pedestrian walkway.
The four-track line provides a direct link between Warsaw Wschodnia, Warsaw Central and Warsaw Zachodnia stations and is used by commuter and regional traffic as well as long distance services. There is a 2.3km central underground section, while two additional tracks are used by light rail services from Warsaw Srodmiescie to Warsaw Zachodnia.
“The new infrastructure will improve the frequency and capacity of train services, offering better services to people with reduced mobility and improving our overall environmental footprint,” says commissioner for cohesion and reforms, Ms Elisa Ferreira. “The modernised railway lines and stations in Warsaw will also enhance Poland's rail connections with the rest of the EU, further integrating regions across Europe.”
