European funds will launch Silesian trams onto new tracks

New tram lines, dozens of kilometres of modernised tracks and traction network, as well as 30 modern, low-floor vehicles – this is how the communication in the Upper Silesian-Dąbrowa Basin Metropolis will look like soon. The project titled “Modernizacja i rozwój infrastruktury tramwajowej w Górnośląsko–Zagłębiowskiej Metropolii” (Modernisation and development of tram infrastructure in the Upper Silesian-Dąbrowa Basin Metropolis) received over PLN 735 million in funding from the EU within the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate and Environment 2021–2027 (FEnIKS) programme.

Total value of the entire project amounts to over PLN 1.3 billion. Investments will be realised in close cooperation with Katowice City Hall – the project will involve, among others, Będzin, Bytom, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Katowice, and Sosnowiec.

The official conclusion of the EU support took place on 6 October this year during a celebration attended by Jan Szyszko, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy. On behalf of the Centre for EU Transport Projects, the document was signed by Joanna Lech, Director of CEUTP.

– Investments in sustainable public transport, such as the ones realised in the Upper Silesian-Dąbrowa Basin Metropolis, are crucial for the quality of life of residents, as well as cohesion of the entire region. The European Funds support the development of modern and eco-friendly infrastructure, while the agreements signed today are the best example of this, – emphasised Joanna Lech.

All projects implemented by Tramwaje Śląskie are operations of strategic importance, meaning they make a significant contribution in achieving the programme goals, and are subject to particular supervision and communication means. Project categories, which we consider strategic, can be found on the following website: https://www.feniks.gov.pl/strony/dowiedz-sie-wiecej-o-programie/poznaj-realizowane-projekty/operacje-o-znaczeniu-strategicznym/

Four stages of modernisation and development

The project was divided into four stages:

• Stage I – modernisation of tram infrastructure in a few cities within the Metropolis, including tram tracks, traction network, and traction power substations,
• Stage II – construction of a new, nearly 10 km long tram line in Katowice, leading from “Brynów” loop to the planned “Kostuchna” transfer centre,
• Stage III – a 2 km long section will be made in Sosnowiec, connecting the Żołnierzy Wyklętych Roundabout with the Jan Paweł II Roundabout,
• Stage IV – purchase of 30 modern, low-floor tram units, each with the capacity to serve at least 155 passengers.

Kostuchna – new centre of the southern part of Katowice

During the celebration, the co-financing agreement for the construction of the “Kostuchna” transport hub has also been signed. It is a strategic project for the city of Katowice, thanks to which the southern districts will be able to enjoy comfortable transfers between trams, buses, and bikes. The hub will become one of the key locations integrating public transport in the entire Metropolis. For this purpose, the city has received support in the amount of almost PLN 52 million from the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate and Environment.

Eco-friendly alternative to cars

The development of tram transport is not only an investment into passengers’ comfort, but also the climate. Modern, zero-emission trams are an eco-friendly alternative to cars, contribute to the reduction of traffic jams, as well as limit emissions and noise in the city. The project is consistent with both domestic and European climate policy objectives, making the Metropolis a better place to live.