Budimex Awarded Contract for Podłęże–Piekiełko Rail Lines 622 and 627
Budimex has signed a major agreement with PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PKP PLK) to deliver a crucial phase of the large-scale Podłęże‑Piekiełko Railway Project in the Małopolska region of southern Poland. The contract covers the design and construction of key railway infrastructure, including the development of a new rail line and connecting track sections aimed at significantly improving regional mobility and freight transport capacity.
The project agreement includes the construction of the new railway line No. 622 along the Podłęże R401–Gdów section and the development of slip road No. 627 along the Podłęże R301–Podłęże Balachówka section. The total net value of the contract amounts to approximately PLN 2.58 billion, reflecting the scale and complexity of the works involved. The investment will be delivered by a consortium consisting of Budimex, Ferrovial Construction, and Budimex Kolejnictwo. According to the agreement, the estimated completion period for the project is 38 months from the date of contract signing.
The contract was awarded after PKP PLK selected the consortium’s proposal as the most advantageous offer in a competitive tender process. The project forms part of the second stage of the Podłęże-Piekiełko railway program, which is widely regarded as the largest rail infrastructure investment currently underway in southern Poland. Its strategic objective is to transform rail connectivity across the Małopolska region by improving passenger mobility and strengthening freight transport capabilities.
Once completed, the upgraded infrastructure is expected to deliver major reductions in travel time between several key cities. Rail journeys between Kraków and Nowy Sącz could be shortened by approximately one hour, while travel between Kraków and Zakopane may be reduced by as much as 90 minutes. These improvements will significantly enhance connectivity across the region and make rail transport more competitive compared with road travel. In addition, the modernized network will support greater freight transport capacity, strengthening logistics operations and regional economic development.
Artur Popko, President of Budimex, emphasized the importance of the investment for Poland’s rail network and the role the company will play in delivering the project. He described the Podłęże-Piekiełko development as one of the most significant and technically demanding railway projects in recent years. According to Popko, the scale and national importance of the undertaking make it a priority infrastructure investment for the country.
He also highlighted that Budimex’s participation demonstrates the company’s expertise in managing complex infrastructure projects that require advanced technical knowledge and highly coordinated execution. By contributing to the modernization of Poland’s railway infrastructure, the company aims to improve passenger comfort and safety while enabling the further development of freight transportation across the national rail network.
The scope of the works includes the design and construction of a comprehensive rail infrastructure system that will increase the capacity and flexibility of traffic management. The new line will also enhance operational safety and strengthen the resilience of the railway network against terrain constraints and road-rail intersections.
Under the contract, the consortium will design and construct a new double-track railway line No. 622 between Podłęże R401 and Gdów. At the same time, a single-track slip road No. 627 will be built between Podłęże R301 and Podłęże Balachówka. The works will also include integration of the new infrastructure with existing railway lines, particularly lines No. 91 and No. 95, ensuring seamless connectivity across the broader rail network.
One of the most technically challenging aspects of the project is the construction of a tunnel approximately 900 meters long. In addition to the tunnel, the project includes extensive infrastructure designed to enable efficient rail operations and reduce conflicts between rail and road traffic. The plan calls for the installation of 51 new turnouts and the construction of eight passenger platforms.
A wide range of engineering structures will also be built as part of the project. These include 17 railway bridges, six road bridges, 11 railway viaducts, and five road viaducts designed to streamline intersections and reduce potential collision points between rail and road traffic. Additional supporting infrastructure will include two pedestrian or vehicle underpasses beneath the railway tracks, 24 railway culverts, and 18 retaining walls and structural supports intended to stabilize the railway route in challenging terrain conditions.
The project site presents notable engineering challenges due to its difficult geological conditions and complex terrain. As a result, advanced construction techniques and specialized technical solutions will be required to ensure safe and reliable implementation. According to Popko, the modern rail layout developed through this project will significantly increase traffic capacity, enhance operational reliability, and improve safety at rail-road intersections. It will also create capacity for future expansion of rail services in the region.
Budimex already has extensive experience with the Podłęże-Piekiełko program. During the first stage of the investment, the company carried out modernization works on a section of railway line No. 104 between Chabówka and Rabka Zaryte, including associated infrastructure upgrades. The company successfully completed the A1 section of this line, marking the first modernized segment within the broader program.
In addition to the newly signed contract, Budimex is currently involved in the construction of the Limanowa–Klęczany siding section, another major rail investment in the region. This project is being delivered in partnership with Gülermak and involves particularly demanding construction tasks, including the development of two tunnels with a combined length of approximately 7.5 kilometers as well as the construction of 22 bridges and viaducts.
Budimex has built a strong reputation through decades of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects that require strict safety standards, precise coordination, and predictable project execution. In recent years, the company has completed several major rail modernization initiatives across Poland, including upgrades to railway lines, stations, and engineering structures.
Among its recent achievements is the modernization and reopening of the Warszawa Zachodnia Station, one of the most important railway hubs in Poland. The company has also carried out significant works at the Port of Gdynia rail junction and completed modernization works at the Czechowice-Dziedzice rail junction. Additionally, Budimex participated in the upgrade of railway line No. 7 connecting Warsaw and Lublin.
Beyond Poland, Budimex is also contributing to the development of the major European railway initiative Rail Baltica. In Estonia, the company is involved in constructing the Pärnu–Latvian border section under the “Alliance” contracting model. Meanwhile, in Latvia, ERB Rail is responsible for delivering a large project to build approximately 230 kilometers of high-speed rail infrastructure as part of the Rail Baltica corridor.
Rail Baltica aims to connect the Baltic States with key European transport corridors, strengthening regional mobility while supporting defence readiness, logistics networks, and economic development across Northern and Eastern Europe. Through its involvement in both domestic and international rail projects, Budimex continues to expand its role as a leading infrastructure contractor shaping the future of European transportation networks.
Source Link:https://budimex.pl/en/
