Bank funds Polish rail works

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is to provide €268 million in financing to PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PLK), for the upgrade of 58km of an existing electrified railway line (E30) from Katowice to Kraków.

PKP, the manager of the national railway network in Poland, will implement a number of improvements on this section of track, including the replacement of ballast, sleepers, track and overhead catenary, as well as upgrading the existing power supply. Several stations will also be reconstructed to ensure full accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

Once complete, the modernised line will allow for the introduction of trains running at a maximum speed of 160km/h for passenger trains and 120km/h for freight trains.

The EIB funding will also facilitate environmental measures, including noise barriers, better drainage and animal crossings.

The improvement works will begin this year and will be completed by the end of 2016.