Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) has launched a competitive dialogue procedure for the construction of traction substations for Poland’s future high-speed rail network, covering sections between Warsaw and Łódź as well as Łódź and Wrocław.
The tender follows grid connection agreements signed with Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE) and forms part of the wider Port Polska railway investment programme. Applications to participate in the dialogue can be submitted until 15 June.
The base contract covers the design and construction of three traction substations. Two will supply railway line 85 between Warsaw, the future airport and Łódź, with locations near the planned airport and north-east of Łódź at Dmosin. A third substation at Kuźnica–Czajków will support the future route towards Wrocław on railway line 86 between Sieradz and Wrocław.
The agreement also includes an option for two additional substations, at Pabianice and Dziadowa Kłoda. If used, the contractor would build five substations in total.
The substations will be designed for the 2×25 kV AC traction power system, which is being introduced to Poland’s railway network for the first time. The system is intended to provide the power supply needed for high-speed trains operating at up to 350 km/h.
The contract will be delivered on a turnkey basis, including construction and detailed design, permits, construction works, certification and commissioning. CPK plans to shortlist up to seven contractors or consortia for the dialogue stage.
The facilities will be supplied from the 400 kV and 220 kV transmission network operated by PSE. The wider traction power control and supervision system will cover both the substations and related infrastructure.
The new HSR lines under the Port Polska programme will use two power supply standards: 3 kV DC on conventional sections and 2×25 kV AC on the future high-speed “Y” line linking Warsaw, Łódź, Poznań and Wrocław.
CPK is already running competitive dialogue procedures for two Warsaw–Łódź construction sections: Kotowice – airport junction and airport junction – Bolimów.
According to the current schedule, the Warsaw – new airport – Łódź section is due to open in 2032, with high-speed services expected to reach Poznań and Wrocław by 2035.
