2025-10-18 09:45
publication
2025-10-18 09:45
The Central Communication Port project is accelerating. The construction of a terminal and tunnel for high-speed rail is scheduled to start next year. The current stage of this project was discussed during the European Forum for New Ideas in Sopot.
The Central Communication Port in Baranów is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Europe. The investment, the cost of which was estimated at PLN 42.7 billion, is to be completed in 2032and its capacity will reach 40 million passengers per year. The project also assumes the possibility of further expansion. The goal is to create a modern transport hub combining aviation, rail and roads. Participants of the panel “Polish plans for the construction of the Central Communication Port and the development of Poland and global trends in the development of the aviation industry” during the European Forum of New Ideas in Sopot discussed the progress and challenges related to the implementation of the project.
The investment has clearly accelerated
–
Recently we have definitely accelerated – says Filip Czernicki, president of CPK. – Of course, there was this moment of research, analysis and audits. We had to get to know this project better, because previously we only had general knowledge. Let us remember that the previous government made a decision on how this project was to be financed only after losing the elections. The previous government decided how to finance this project only after losing the elections. In his long-term program, there was no money even for the entire “Y” line. Today, we have secured financial resources and there are further tranches of bonds with which the company is strengthened – this is the basis for action. The terminal designs have also already been received. The drilling of a tunnel under Łódź for high-speed rail will begin soon. We have started a competitive dialogue for the terminal contractor – a procedure with a total value of over PLN 10 billion. Further large proceedings will be opened in the following months. Later this year, we will invite contractors to submit offers for subsequent sections of the railway construction between Warsaw and Łódź, announces the head of the Central Communication Port.
Progress in land acquisition
The President of CPK also emphasized the importance of legislative changes.
– Exactly The Senate passed an amendment to the Act on the CPK, which will not allow expropriation without payment of at least 85%. first valuation. This is important because the expropriation procedure is truly inhumane in Poland. Normally, you get an administrative decision, 120 days to move out and no money. Payment is made only when the judgment becomes final, which may happen even after many years. We hope that the president will quickly sign this bill. Thanks to the new regulations, we can say that this project will not be built on human harm – says Filip Czernicki. – When it comes to the airport, we have acquired over 55 percent. the area of this area that is needed. A dozen or so families are still negotiating. Over 90% of the tickets on the Warsaw-Łódź route are booked. developed properties, and the remaining ones will be acquired through the expropriation procedure.
Profitability is the most important thing
According to Łukasz Chaberski, president of Polish Airports SA, PPL will be an industry investor in CPK.
– Therefore, we have reasons to conduct our activities appropriately and quickly. These include the modernization of the Chopin Airport in Warsaw. It is necessary to handle the constantly growing traffic and so that in 2032 we can serve over 30 million people a year and transfer traffic to CPK. From year one, this airport must function effectively, both operationally and business-wise – says Łukasz Chaberski.
In turn, Radosław Stępień, president of Polska Grupa Lotnicza SA, drew attention to the importance of financial planning.
– If we do not calculate the transformation and transfer of airlines to CPK correctly, we will end up with beautiful infrastructure and great costs that will translate into customers.. The idea is to sensibly plan the economics of the project and ensure the profitability of the companies.
Prof. Dorota Niedziółka, vice-rector for development and head of the Department of Economic Geography at the Warsaw School of Economics, pointed to the potential economic effect.
– The creation of this airport may act as an accelerator, creating additional activity.
Each element of infrastructure has a positive effect on economic development. However, modern times require rationality. The scale and functionality must meet today's needs – emphasizes the SGH representative.
Should the new railway arouse only enthusiasm?
However, Prof. Michał Wolański, director of the Institute of Infrastructure, Transport and Mobility at SGH, referred to the railway component:
– He has recently been arousing emotions that, in my opinion, are completely unjustified. Because it should only arouse enthusiasm. Line “Y” from Warsaw to Poznań and Wrocław, among others. will shorten the travel time from the capital to Wrocław to 1 hour. 40 minutes. Moreover, Łódź is a city with huge potential, which still lacks a good air connection. Now he will have such a chance, says the expert.
Prof. Michał Wolański also drew attention to the issue of speed.
– Building a railway line at 350 km/h costs only about 5 percent. more than at 250 km/h – only because we need viaducts with a higher load-bearing capacity to place higher sound-absorbing screens on them. But for what it costs now, 5%. more during construction, then you would have to pay much more during processing – he adds.
The project is ready for implementation
According to Filip Czernicki, the project is now ready to enter the implementation phase.
– After the president signs the amendment to the act, we will submit applications for building permits, among others. airports. Next year, concrete will start pouring and piling will begin We have 15,000 to raise. burns in difficult terrain. By the end of next year, most of the most important proceedings will also be resolved. Then we need four years to build. We plan to launch CPK in 2032. Today, the schedule has an 80% probability of implementation, noted the president of CPK.
