Warsaw-Lublin in 90 minutes? Coming soon!

The project entitled “Prace na linii kolejowej nr 7 Warszawa Wschodnia Osobowa – Dorohusk na odcinku Warszawa – Otwock – Dęblin – Lublin, etap II b (Warszawa Wawer – Otwock)” has been selected for funding from the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment 2021 – 2027 (FEnIKS) program. The value of the support is expected to exceed PLN 1.4 billion.

Thanks to the investment, travel between Warsaw and Lublin will become faster, safer and more comfortable. The modernization will increase the attractiveness of the railroad and improve its competitiveness.

Why is this important?

The railroad line connecting Warsaw with Dorohusk (direction Ukraine) was established in 1877 as a broad-gauge part of the Vistula Railway. Earlier modernizations (stage I) included the Otwock-Lublin section – between 2017 and 2020, part of the route was rebuilt, including restoring the second track. The current stage is the logical completion of this huge investment – improving the coherence of the entire route and enabling the line’s full potential.

PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (Polish Railways) under the project wants to carry out works including:

• Railroad line No. 7 on the section Warsaw Wawer – Otwock from 13.810 km to 26.050 km,
• Railroad line No. 506 on the section Warsaw Wawer – Otwock from 6.752 km to 18.992 km (from 13.810 km to 26.050 km according to the kilometer of railroad line No. 7).

In addition, they will perform the installation of the ETCS system on the sections:

• Warszawa Wschodnia Osobowa – Otwock (from 5.950 km to 30.165 km of railroad line No. 7),
• Warszawa Wschodnia Towarowa – Otwock (from 8.195 km to 27.848 km of railroad line No. 7).

Scope of the project – Stage IIb (Warsaw Wawer – Otwock)

• Modernization of the track superstructure of Line No. 7, along with the necessary infrastructure: overhead catenary, electrical power, traffic control, telecommunications and drainage.
• Construction of two additional tracks of Line 506, so that trains will run on four tracks on this section of the route.
• Reconstruction of 8 stops and stations, including: Warsaw Anin, Warsaw Międzylesie, Warsaw Radość, Warsaw Miedzeszyn, Warsaw Falenica, Michalin, Józefów, Otwock Świder, with modern passenger information.
• Construction of 20 new underpasses and reconstruction of an existing underpass in Falenica.
• Elimination of 4 rail-road crossings through the construction of road tunnels and a road overpass.
• Repair of bridges over the Swider River.
• Separation of agglomeration and long-distance traffic.
• Inclusion of the ERTMS/ETCS system, which will increase throughput and safety.

The entire investment is expected to last until 2028.

• Maybe you would like to read: First step to four tracks on Warsaw Wawer – Otwock line

The project will be implemented on the basis of the documentation developed under the project Operational Program Infrastructure and Environment 5.1-11.1 entitled “Works on railroad line No. 7 Warszawa Wschodnia Osobowa – Dorohusk on the section Warsaw – Otwock – Dęblin – Lublin, stage I”. This documentation concerned the originally assumed three-track layout. The development of the project for the construction of an additional, fourth, track was financed by PKP PLK from its own funds.

The importance and benefits of investment

• Greater capacity and shorter transit time – track extension and higher operating speed (up to 160 km/h) will enable better organization of long-distance and regional train traffic and shorter Warsaw-Lublin transit time to about 1.5 hours.
• Safety and traffic flow – the elimination of surface crossings and the construction of collision-free intersections reduces the risk of accidents and increases road capacity.
• Passenger comfort – modern platforms, dynamic information system, accessibility for people with limited mobility, protected historic shelters – all improving the perception of rail transportation.
• Environmental protection and noise reduction – noise barriers overgrown with greenery, better drainage, ecological trackside protection.
• Increased competitiveness of rail transport – EU standards, expansion of transport offer, better punctuality, potential economic revival of the region.

The agreement for funding of project No. FENX.04.02-IP.02-0004/25 titled “Works on railroad line No. 7 Warszawa Wschodnia Osobowa – Dorohusk on the section Warsaw – Otwock – Deblin – Lublin, stage II b (Warsaw Wawer – Otwock)” is expected to be signed by the end of January 2026.