Aldesa and PKP PLK signed a contract worth over EUR 69,8 M for the first stage of reconstruction of the Ełk-Korsze railway line

The contract covers the reconstruction of a section of the single-track railway line No. 38 Ełk – Korsze with a total length of approx. 50 km. The value of the contract, EUR 69 780 181, 13, relates to the basic scope, which may be increased to EUR 144 155 309,89 after option 1 and option 2 are annexed. The construction investor is PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A.. In its basic version, the contract provides for a 26-month implementation period and will cover stations and stops: Stare Juchy, Woszczele, Wydminy.

– This is a particularly important project for Aldesa. We are implementing our strategy to become one of the leaders of the railway market in Poland – says Javier Lamas, managing director of Aldesa in Poland. – We will make full use of the know-how of our partner – CRCC, the largest railway company in the world.

The contract provides for the possibility of extension within five months of its signing by two options. Option no. 1 covers the scope of works concerning the section from the Wydminy station (without the Wydminy station) to the Giżycko station (with the Giżycko station). Option no. 2 covers construction of overhead contact line along with power supply in the section from Ełk station (without Ełk station) to Giżycko station (with Giżycko station).

Modernisation and electrification of the line from Korsz to Ełk has been planned for several years. Work on the project documentation started in 2017. The investment is expected by the inhabitants. Thanks to the electrification of the route, which is about 94 km long, and the improvement of the Iława-Korsze line, the travel time from Olsztyn to Ełk will be shortened by about half an hour: from 2h 24 min currently to 1h 50 min. PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe also emphasises the improved capacity of the line, which will create better conditions for more regional and long-distance transport. As part of the overall project, 7 stations are to be modernised: Stare Juchy, Wydminy, Giżycko, Sterławki Wielkie, Kętrzyn, Tołkiny, Korsze and 7 stops: Woszczele, Siedliska, Niegocin, Sterławki Małe, Martiany, Nowy Młyn, Linkowo. Each platform will be equipped with shelters, benches and functional lighting. There will also be new signage and new train information. All facilities will be adjusted to the needs of disabled persons. In addition to electrification, a comprehensive replacement of tracks and 61 switches – important elements of the railway line – is planned, as well as the reconstruction of 78 level crossings and pedestrian crossings. The work will include 145 engineering structures, including bridges and railway overpasses.

Aldesa’s executive partner is the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation – one of the most important contractors in the rail sector worldwide. “The vast experience and knowledge of our partner is invaluable for Poland,” says Javier Lamas, Aldesa’s managing director in Poland. “China has changed in the last few decades into a country covered with a network of ultra-modern railway stations and super-fast railways.  We dream of such a plan for Poland, especially as the European Union is currently offering us huge funds for the