Poland Plans to Build a European-Gauge Railway from Silesia to Odesa

Poland is considering an ambitious project to build a European-standard railway line that will connect Silesia with the port of Odesa on the Black Sea.

This was announced by Bartłomiej Babuszka, the new president of the Polish Industrial Development Agency (ARP), as reported by Money and Bankier.

On Ukrainian territory, Poland is ready to construct a European-gauge railway from Lviv to Odesa. The project will require massive investments and land acquisitions along the more than 800 km route.

Babuszka emphasized that a comprehensive assessment must precede the final decision, as the project involves tens of billions of euros. He also confirmed that the initiative has already been discussed with Ukraine.

A key element of ARP’s plans is the expansion of the rail terminal in Sławków, which is expected to be completed within two years.

Such logistics investments will strengthen transport ties between Poland and Ukraine and open new opportunities for Warsaw to access Middle Eastern markets.

“As Poland exists to protect Ukraine from Russia, it also exists to develop infrastructure in the East. For the first time in history, we can afford to have a seaport on the Black Sea. Within one or two months, we must define the list of these investment projects,” Babuszka stated.

For reference: European railway gauge is 1435 mm, while the Ukrainian gauge is 1520 mm.