The programme, one of Poland's largest investment projects, comprises a passenger and cargo airport between the capital Warsaw and the central city of Łódź, a nationwide high-speed rail network, as well as accompanying passenger and freight infrastructure.
By the end of July, the programme had launched 29 tenders worth PLN 14 billion (EUR 3.25 billion, USD 3.75 billion) in total in 2026, with 58 more procedures worth over PLN 40 billion planned by year-end.
A further PLN 24 billion in tenders is set for 2027, followed by PLN 17 billion in 2028.
The largest upcoming contracts encompass rail infrastructure, including the Warsaw-Łódź high-speed railway, the first section of the new high-speed rail network, which is due to open in 2032.
The rail component is intended to move some domestic and regional passenger traffic from air and road transport to high-speed rail.
The new network will be designed for speeds of up to 350 kph, cutting journey times between central Poland and major cities across the country and beyond.
The airport is planned about 37 kilometres southwest of Warsaw, with two runways set to handle about 34 million passengers a year when it opens in 2032.
The site will also reserve space for a third runway, allowing annual capacity to rise well above 40 million passengers if needed.
A railway station and tunnel will be built beneath the airport. Foundation work for the passenger terminal is scheduled to begin in September and be completed by the end of 2027 or early 2028.
With the project underway, Poland aims to improve its access to European and global markets and strengthen its position in the regional economy, according to the Port Polska strategy.
Officials say the new hub will expand national airline LOT's connectivity and long-haul network while easing pressure on Warsaw's Chopin Airport, which is expected to handle 30 million passengers annually after a planned expansion.
The Port Polska programme's PLN 131.7 billion (EUR 31 billion, USD 35 billion) budget for 2024-2032 is expected to be financed through state funding, EU funds and market borrowing.
After 2032, the initiative will turn to further airport and rail development, alongside commercial projects including office, hotel and logistics spaces.
First proposed in 2017 as the Central Transport Hub (CPK), the programme was revised in late 2024 and rebranded as Port Polska in 2025 by the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
CPK remains the name of the company responsible for delivering the project.
(ak/gs)
Source: IAR/PAP, wnp.pl