Signalling Contract Awarded for Łódź High-Speed Tunnel

Why It Matters

The contract secures advanced, safety‑critical signalling for Poland’s flagship high‑speed corridor, accelerating the Port Polska transport hub’s timeline and enhancing cross‑border rail connectivity.

Key Takeaways

• Alstom wins first high‑speed signalling contract in Poland
• Tunnel 4.6 km long, 14 m diameter, deepest 35 m
• Enables 160 km/h long‑distance trains on CPK “Y” line
• Part of North Sea‑Baltic TEN‑T corridor
• Boosts safety and reliability for future airport connection

Pulse Analysis

The Łódź high‑speed tunnel is a cornerstone of Poland’s ambitious Port Polska programme, designed to create a “Y” shaped rail network that will connect Warsaw, the new national airport and major western cities. At 4.6 km in length and 14 metres in diameter, it will be the longest and widest railway tunnel in the country, allowing trains to travel at up to 160 km/h through the city centre. By delivering a dedicated long‑distance corridor, the tunnel alleviates congestion on existing lines and supports the planned 350 km/h services that will later traverse the broader network.

Alstom’s award to supply the signalling solution underscores the firm’s deep foothold in the Polish rail market, built on a portfolio that includes the first ERTMS Level 2 deployment and over 30 centralized traffic‑control systems. The contract covers full design, delivery and integration of Alstom’s Onvia mainline signalling suite, linking the tunnel’s control architecture with Łódź Widzew station. Leveraging its Katowice engineering team’s experience across Europe, Alstom will implement safety‑critical features such as computer‑based interlocking and real‑time traffic management, ensuring reliability for high‑speed operations.

Beyond national borders, the tunnel forms a vital segment of the North Sea‑Baltic corridor within the TEN‑T trans‑European network, enhancing freight and passenger flows between Central Europe and the Baltic region. The project signals a broader shift toward high‑speed rail investment in Central Europe, attracting further interest from rolling‑stock manufacturers and infrastructure financiers. As the tunnel progresses toward its 2032 operational target, it will set a benchmark for future high‑speed projects in the region, reinforcing Poland’s role as a strategic rail hub.