Warsaw, August 2025 — Poland is making major strides in modernizing rail access to the ports of Szczecin and Świnoujście, with a multi-billion-zloty program aimed at enhancing capacity, efficiency, and connectivity for Baltic Sea trade.
The national rail infrastructure manager, PKP PLK, is spearheading a PLN 1.5 billion (€316 million) upgrade that includes laying 96 kilometers of new track — 61 kilometers in Szczecin and 35 kilometers in Świnoujście — along with installing 285 new turnouts and 84 kilometers of new overhead electrification. Twenty-two rail-road crossings are also being reconstructed to improve safety and operations.
The upgrades will allow the ports to handle longer and heavier freight trains of up to 750 meters in length and with axle loads of 221 kilonewtons. Modern rail traffic control systems are being installed to enhance reliability, while improved layouts are expected to reduce waiting times for cargo handling.
A key part of the project is the development of a multimodal railway transshipment hub at Ostrów Grabowski in Szczecin. This €8.7 million initiative, partly financed through European Union funding, will enable simultaneous handling of two 750-meter block trains and upgrade Ro-Ro ramp capacity. The ramp will be widened to 30 meters and deepened to 12.5 meters, supporting both commercial trade and military logistics. The hub is scheduled for completion by November 2026.
The railway improvements are part of a broader effort to strengthen Poland’s transport infrastructure and position its Baltic ports as competitive gateways for international trade. The project complements the deepening of the Szczecin–Świnoujście waterway to 12.5 meters, which will allow larger vessels to access the ports.
Officials say the modernization will deliver economic and environmental benefits. Electrified rail services are expected to cut emissions, aligning with the EU Green Deal, while faster, more reliable freight handling will help lower transport costs and attract new business. The dual-use capability of the upgraded infrastructure will also enhance Poland’s readiness for both commercial and defense needs.
