Transport via railways

Rail Transport in Poland and Worldwide

Rail transport is one of the oldest and most efficient methods of transporting goods, and it still plays a key role in the global logistics system. Although the importance of rail transport in Poland and around the world has changed over time, today, in the era of increased focus on sustainable development and energy efficiency, rail transport is making a comeback, serving as a vital element in freight transportation, both domestically and internationally.

In Poland, rail transport is especially important for the transport of bulk and heavy goods, which require large loading capacities and regular deliveries. PKP Cargo, as the leader in the Polish market, is responsible for transporting the majority of rail goods, but other transport companies also provide services in both domestic and international markets.

What goods do we transport by rail?

Rail in Poland handles a wide range of goods, including rail transport of building materials, coal, ore, grain, chemicals, and energy raw materials. Coal traditionally represents the most important cargo transported by rail, due to Poland's coal industry, which requires significant infrastructure investments for transport. Rail transport of mineral raw materials, such as sand, stone, and gravel, is also popular in rail freight, mainly due to the long distances that are easier to cover by rail than by road transport.

Other important goods transported by rail include agricultural products such as grain, oilseeds, sugar, and feed. Rail is widely used in the transport of liquid goods, especially in the transport of fossil fuels, gases, and chemicals. Thanks to specialized wagons, such as tank cars, it is possible to safely transport dangerous materials by rail, including chemical substances and pharmaceutical products.

Rail transport is also used for the transportation of machines, industrial equipment, and vehicles. Rail is also utilized in the transport of containerized goods as part of international transport, particularly in shipments from seaports to main distribution centers in Poland.

Rail Freight – Benefits and Challenges

Rail freight has many advantages, which make it particularly preferred for large cargoes, long distances, and the need to transport goods with high logistical requirements. Rail is considered one of the safest means of transport, which means that cargo is less likely to be involved in accidents or delays compared to road transport. In this context, the transportation of large quantities of goods can be carried out with high reliability and regularity of deliveries.

Compared to road transport, rail freight also has a smaller carbon footprint, which makes it a more ecological alternative for freight transport. In light of growing concerns about environmental protection and the reduction of emissions, rail is seen as a future-oriented solution for sustainable transport. Rail is also more energy-efficient – rail vehicles use significantly less energy than road vehicles or ships, which is of particular importance in the context of rising fuel prices and increasing pressure on transport companies to become more efficient.

The cost-effectiveness of rail transport also works in its favor. Although initial investments in rail infrastructure can be expensive, in the long term, operating costs are lower than with road transport, particularly when transporting large goods over long distances.

Despite many advantages, rail transport also comes with certain challenges. First and foremost, it requires a developed infrastructure – both tracks and specialized transshipment facilities, which involves high investment costs. Modernization of tracks and adapting infrastructure to meet the needs of contemporary freight transport is one of the main challenges in Poland.

Delays resulting from inefficient management of rail infrastructure, such as congestion on certain rail lines, are also a challenge. A reduction in connections or insufficient transport frequency can affect the competitiveness of rail transport compared to other forms of transport. Additionally, the rising fuel costs for diesel locomotives and limited flexibility in adapting to changing market needs may impact the further development of rail transport.

Rail Transport on the International Stage

Poland, a key player in the freight transport map of Europe, plays a vital role in international rail transport. Poland is one of the main participants in international transport corridors, especially those connecting East to West, as well as South to North Europe.

International rail connections between Poland and neighboring countries – Germany, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia – are of fundamental importance for the entire logistics system of Central and Eastern Europe. Poland is a critical transit point for the transport of goods from China and other Asian countries to Western Europe and Scandinavia. Transport corridors, such as the North-South Corridor, which connects the northern ports of the Baltic Sea with the southern part of the continent, are crucial for the functioning of international rail transport.

Rail transport in Poland is also an important element of the broader transport system within the Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at developing transport and trade infrastructure between Asia and Europe. Rail is one of the main means of transport in this project, which is gaining significance due to the increased exchange of goods between China and other Asian countries. Rail corridors enable faster and more efficient transport of goods, thus increasing the competitiveness of Polish international transport.

Poland is also actively developing intermodal rail transport, which involves the transport of goods using various transport modes, including rail, road, and sea, within one shipment. This increasingly popular solution in Europe optimizes both transport time and costs.

Rail transport in Poland and worldwide plays a vital role in international trade. Its main advantages are cost-effectiveness, ecological benefits, and the ability to transport large cargoes over long distances. Although challenges include the need for infrastructure modernization and delays caused by congestion on certain sections, rail transport remains an invaluable element of the global transport system. Its role in international logistics, especially in the context of new infrastructure projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative, makes rail one of the most important pillars of modern freight transport.