Poland Begins Testing New High-Speed Rail Standard at 250 km/h on Corridor Route

Polish railways have initiated testing of a new 250 km/h operational standard on the Central Railway Line (CMK), marking a significant step in the country’s high-speed rail development. The tests, conducted by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PKP PLK), aim to validate the infrastructure and systems required for future high-speed services on this key corridor.

The Central Railway Line, which connects Warsaw with Katowice and Kraków, has been undergoing modernization to support higher speeds. As part of these efforts, PKP PLK has been installing the GSM-R digital radio communication system along the line, with the final radio mast erected in Secemin in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. This installation is critical for enabling train operations at 250 km/h, as GSM-R works in conjunction with the ETCS Level 2 signaling system to monitor train movements and enforce speed limits.

According to PKP PLK, commissioning and the start of GSM-R testing on the Central Railway Line are scheduled for August 2026. The completion of the GSM-R infrastructure brings the line closer to full digital communications capability, which is essential for both safety and reliability in high-speed rail operations. The ETCS Level 2 system, using GSM-R as its transmission medium, continuously monitors driver actions and can automatically intervene if a train exceeds permitted speed or ignores warnings.

These developments align with Poland’s broader strategy to upgrade its rail infrastructure for speeds up to 250 km/h. Earlier authorizations by Polish railway authorities have defined 250 km/h as the approved operational benchmark for future services on upgraded network sections, with this authorization valid until March 2031. The upgrades are part of ongoing efforts to reduce travel times between major cities and improve the competitiveness of rail transport.

While high-speed rail service in Poland commenced in December 2014 with Pendolino trains operating at 200 km/h on selected routes, the current testing represents progression toward higher speed capabilities. The infrastructure improvements on the CMK corridor are intended to support not only faster domestic services but also better integration with the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

As Poland continues to modernize its railway systems, the successful testing and implementation of 250 km/h standards on the Central Railway Line could serve as a model for similar upgrades on other lines. The project reflects sustained investment in rail infrastructure aimed at enhancing capacity, safety, and travel efficiency for passengers and freight operators alike.