Poland’s CPK mega project gains momentum – major milestones and next steps
Poland’s Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) is making significant strides, with major developments in infrastructure, financing, and construction. Over the past year, the project has secured key approvals, finalised designs, and launched large-scale construction work, reinforcing its role as one of Europe’s most ambitious transport initiatives.
CPK developments in 2024
The CPK programme is progressing steadily. In 2024, the company secured a location decision for the airport and railway station, signed contracts worth over 650 million PLN, and completed construction designs for both the passenger terminal and railway hub. Nearly 500 kilometres of high-speed rail (HSR) lines are in the advanced design phase, while construction has begun on the HSR tunnel in Łódź.
The revised schedule sets 2032 as the deadline for launching the CPK Airport and high-speed railway between Warsaw, CPK, and Łódź, alongside significant progress on rail connections to Wrocław and Poznań. Our actions are fully aligned with this ambitious investment plan
2024 ended with the government approving the CPK Multiannual Programme, securing funding for the coming years. 2025 began with the Mazovian Voivode issuing the location decision for CPK, covering key elements such as the passenger terminal and railway station. This milestone allows us to proceed with building permit applications this year
Financing, tenders and contracts
Financing has been a key achievement. In December 2024, the Polish government approved the Multi-Year CPK Programme (2024-2032), securing 131.7 billion PLN for the project, with 76.8 billion PLN allocated for railway investments, 42.7 billion PLN for airport construction, and 2.5 billion PLN for road infrastructure. A partnership with Polish Airports (PPL) will see the company become a minority investor in the airport, while CPK retains a minimum 51% stake. The airport’s construction will be financed through a mix of shareholder contributions (30-40%) and bond issuance (60-70%).
The past year has also seen the launch of approximately 60 tenders worth 8.3 billion PLN, including a 2.8 billion PLN contract for the Łódź HSR tunnel and 2.2 billion PLN for road connections around the airport, including a new A2 motorway interchange. At the same time, CPK signed contracts worth 650 million PLN, including 230 million PLN for designing the Sieradz–Kalisz–Poznań HSR section and 85 million PLN for the first phase of the CPK railway hub. Additional funding of 3.5 billion PLN from state bonds has been allocated for the design of key airport infrastructure, including the terminal, railway hub, and airside and landside facilities.
Airport design and infrastructure
Significant progress has been made on the airport’s design. The passenger terminal, railway station, and bus terminal, designed by Foster + Partners and Buro Happold, are nearing completion, with 6,250 technical drawings and over 50 reports finalised. Detailed plans for runways, taxiways, and airside infrastructure are also advancing, while tenders have been issued for road construction around the airport, attracting bids from ten companies and five consortia. In addition, contracts have been awarded for the airport operations control centre and the fire rescue buildings.
Railway development
Railway development remains the largest investment within the CPK programme. Over 480 kilometres of HSR lines are in advanced design, while the Łódź tunnel is under construction. In January 2025, CPK submitted applications for nearly 1.2 billion PLN in EU funding from CEF 2, supporting the Łódź HSR tunnel, the design of the CPK railway hub, and planning for the Katowice-Czech border line. The company is also finalising integrated rail development plans with PKP PLK, set to shape the future of Poland’s railway network.
Land Acquisitions Under the Voluntary Acquisition Programme (PDN)
CPK has acquired over 1,800 plots (1,730+ ha), securing most of the land for the airport’s first phase. More than 90% of residential buildings in the zone have been submitted for the programme. Since its relaunch in July 2024, a record number of agreements have been signed, with another 300 ha in the pipeline—all through voluntary transactions, with no expropriations.
A Railway PDN has also been launched for properties along the Warsaw–CPK–Łódź rail corridor. Meanwhile, consultations are underway on a development strategy for 18 municipalities around the airport, home to 400,000+ residents.
Moving forward
With major financing secured, tenders awarded, and construction underway, CPK is moving from vision to reality. As Poland’s largest infrastructure investment, the project is set to transform the country’s connectivity, integrating air and rail travel into a seamless, modern transport hub.
