By rosebell
Kinga has been redeployed following its previous tunnelling assignment beneath Pisarzowa. After servicing, dismantling and transportation to Wilkowiska, the machine underwent commissioning trials before beginning its latest drive.
Excavation will proceed alongside the installation of a precast concrete segmental lining. Breakthrough is expected in 2027.
TBM Jadwiga Set to Begin Excavation in December
Preparations are also progressing for TBM Jadwiga, which is scheduled to begin excavating the railway tunnel in December 2026. According to PKP, the second machine will start from a different location to support construction logistics.
The Szczyrzyc–Tymbark section includes two railway tunnels measuring 3,817m and 1,090m, with almost two-thirds of the route running underground. The railway tunnels are supported by associated evacuation tunnels designed to provide emergency access and facilitate evacuation.
Nearly 8km of New Railway Infrastructure
The Szczyrzyc–Tymbark contract is being delivered by Budimex, Budimex Kolejnictwo and Gülermak. The scope covers nearly 8km of new railway infrastructure, including the two main railway tunnels and their associated evacuation tunnels.
Surface construction works include railway and road bridges, viaducts, drainage structures and a new passenger platform at Stróża, near Dobra.
The contract also covers railway power infrastructure and overhead electrification, connecting the underground structures with the operational railway network.
Part of Poland’s Wider Podłęże–Piekiełko Programme
The Szczyrzyc–Tymbark section forms part of the wider Podłęże–Piekiełko railway programme, which includes plans for 20 tunnels with a combined length exceeding 31km.
The investment is intended to improve railway connections from Kraków towards southern Małopolska, Nowy Sącz and the Podhale region.
PKP currently expects the wider programme to enter service around the turn of 2030–2031. The completion of the new railway infrastructure is expected to improve regional connectivity and support faster rail services across southern Poland.
