PLK E75 RAIL BALTICA SADOWNE - BIALYSTOK

The project concerns the second phase of the modernisation of the North Sea - Baltic railway core TEN-T corridor in Poland. In particular, modernisation of some 107 km of double-track railway line (section Sadowne - Bialystok) and installation of the European train control system (ETCS) on the 165 km Warsaw - Bialystok section.

The project will increase the quality of rail services provided in Poland as well as promote travel by rail and will thereby enhance sustainable transport, in line with EU objectives. Most of the project is located in a convergence region, and will improve accessibility and potentially facilitate regional development. The project is expected to generate substantial time and vehicle operating-cost savings by allowing for more efficient use of existing rail capacity as well as promoting modal shift from road to rail through facilitating better rail services. It may also present environmental and safety benefits due to modal shift.

The project has been subject to an environmental impact assessment (EIA). The EIA and development consents are to be reviewed during appraisal. The project's potential impact on protected areas and species, in accordance with the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), is to be appraised further.

The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project have been/shall be tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation (Directives 2004/18/EC, or 2014/24/EU where applicable, and/or 2004/17/EC, or 2014/25/EU where applicable, and/or 2014/23/EU where applicable, as well as Directives 89/665/EEC and 92/13/EEC), as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU, with publication of tender notices in the Official Journal of the EU, as and where required.