Alstom to Deliver Signalling for Lodz High-Speed Rail Tunnel

Why It Matters

The signalling system boosts safety and reliability for Poland’s emerging high‑speed network, strengthening the country’s role in the broader European rail corridor and facilitating faster inter‑city travel.

Key Takeaways

• Alstom wins signalling contract for Łódź tunnel.
• Tunnel spans 4.6 km, deepest 35 m, Poland’s longest.
• Onvia system integrates with Łódź Widzew station.
• Project part of Y‑rail corridor linking Warsaw to airport.
• Uses ERTMS ETCS Level 2, enabling 300 km/h speeds.

Pulse Analysis

Poland’s ambition to create a high‑speed rail backbone across the country has accelerated with the Y‑rail corridor, a strategic link that will connect Warsaw, the new national airport, and major western cities. The Łódź tunnel, a 4.6‑kilometre underground conduit, is a critical segment, not only because of its engineering scale but also because it sits within the broader Trans‑European North Sea‑Baltic TEN‑T network. By delivering faster, more reliable connections, the corridor is expected to stimulate regional commerce, attract investment, and reduce reliance on road and air travel.

Alstom’s Onova signalling platform, based on the ERTMS ETCS Level 2 standard, brings proven high‑speed technology to the project. The system provides continuous train supervision, automatic speed control and real‑time traffic management, essential for maintaining safety in a deep‑bore tunnel environment. Integration with Łódź Widzew station ensures seamless handover between legacy and new infrastructure, allowing trains to operate at up to 300 km/h while meeting stringent European safety regulations. This deployment also showcases Alstom’s capability to adapt its global signalling portfolio to complex, urban tunnel projects.

The contract positions Alstom as a key player in Central Europe’s rail modernization race, where competitors vie for contracts tied to EU‑funded corridors. Successful delivery will reinforce the company’s reputation for high‑speed signalling, potentially opening doors to additional projects within the Port Polska programme and beyond. For the Polish economy, the tunnel promises reduced travel times, enhanced freight efficiency, and a catalyst for broader infrastructure upgrades, aligning with the EU’s goal of a more integrated, low‑carbon transport network.