Expanded Rail Network over the Oder River: Polish Ambassador Addresses Prime Minister Woidke
Strengthening Rail Connections Between Germany and Poland: A Joint Effort
The rail connections between Germany and Poland are undergoing significant upgrades, with both countries investing heavily in modernizing existing lines, building new infrastructure, and adapting trains for direct international service.
The most significant project in this regard is the expansion of the line from Berlin to Küstrin, commonly known as the "Ostbahn." Deutsche Bahn (DB) is investing €200 million to upgrade up to 32 ICE 3neo trains for cross-border services to Poland, enabling direct high-speed rail connectivity for the first time.
Poland is also investing heavily, with around €3.6 billion planned for 2025 alone. These funds support upgrading existing lines, new rail infrastructure, and rail safety & signaling improvements such as the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS).
The European Commission is also channelling approximately €2.8 billion across 94 EU transport projects in 2025, with 77% directed to rail infrastructure, including cross-border upgrades in Poland and Germany. This funding supports TEN-T core corridor upgrades and the deployment of ERTMS to improve safety and interoperability on international routes.
Cross-border freight operations are also on the rise, with DB Cargo Polska recently managing a challenging special transport of 120-meter rails from Chorzów (Poland) to Zittau (Germany), showcasing close international cooperation despite incomplete rail line connections.
In addition to these ongoing projects, potential funding sources for further improvements include national investments, European Union grants, and public-private partnerships. The EU funds major cross-border rail infrastructure projects under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), emphasizing TEN-T corridors and cross-border interoperability projects, especially installation of ERTMS.
However, the discussion between the Polish Ambassador to Germany, Jan Tombinski, and the Minister-President of Brandenburg, Dietmar Woidke (SPD), did not involve any new information about the "Ostbahn" expansion project or its potential implications for the Oder region. Instead, they focused on the need for a change in border control measures that are currently causing difficulties for commuters from Germany and Poland.
Woidke proposed a "permit solution" for commuters as a potential solution, while Tombinski praised the steps Poland has taken to secure the Belarusian border. The global political situation, particularly Russia's attack on Ukraine, may aid in the expansion of transport axes to Eastern Europe, including rail connections from Germany to Poland.
Despite these challenges, the rail connections between Germany and Poland continue to strengthen, with only a few places where railway tracks cross the state border at the Oder and Neiße rivers, including Stettin, Küstrin, Frankfurt (Oder), Forst, Guben, Horka, and Görlitz. The joint efforts of both countries, along with significant EU funding, are ensuring a more connected and sustainable trans-European rail network.
- The weather conditions might pose a challenge during the infrastructure upgrades of the rail connections between Germany and Poland, as changes in temperature and precipitation can affect construction timelines and material durability.
- Travelers using the modernized rail lines between Germany and Poland can expect a more comfortable journey, with improved weather protection in the newly adapted trains ensuring a better experience even during inclement weather.
