A project to install new control systems on a section of railway line between Warsawa and Łódź promises to speed up train journeys along the route while raising safety levels.
- 17 November 2014
Central to this investment is the construction of a Local Control Centre (LCC) on line No1 between Żyrardów station and Koluszki station. The work also involves changes to the track system at Skierniewice station, along with the installation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) on lines 1 and 17. In addition, a viaduct is being built over national road No 72 at nearby Rogov.
Up to speed
These changes mean that trains running on this section of the Warsaw-Łódź line can be controlled from Skierniewice station. This brings a number of benefits to train companies, and consequently to their passengers as well. It allows for a more efficient flow of information in relation to train movements and their control. Plus, the installation of ERTMS helps to improve safety on the route.
In addition, the upgrades enable trains to travel at speeds suitable for traditional rolling stock, which is up to 100 km/h around Skierniewice station (on lines 11, 12, 529 and 530). Trains can also carry maximum loads of 221 kN/axle thanks to the improvements.
This project, combined with other related (though separately budgeted) works to upgrade the entire Warsawa- Łódź railway line, is expected to generate approximately EUR 29.4 million per year in passenger journey time savings in 2016. Care has also been taken to ensure that the technical solutions adapted through the scheme will help to lessen the line’s negative impact on the environment. Those expected to benefit most from the changes are the people living near the line, as well as those commuting between Poland’s capital and Łódź.
The upgrade is included in the "Master Plan for Rail Transport in Poland for the period to 2030” (published in August 2008), under the priority "Increased effectiveness of the rail system as a result of upgrading, taking into account technical standards for rail interoperability and environmental standards”.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Modernisation of railway line Warsaw-Lodz, stage II, Lot C, remaining works” is EUR 94 883 063, of which the EU’s Cohesion Fund is contributing EUR 51 090 652, from the Operational Programme “Infrastructure and Environment” for the 2007 to 2013 programming period. Work falls under the priority “Environment Friendly Transport”.