Polish state railway infrastructure manager PKP PLK is considering a potentially disruptive solution to resume work on the Łódź city center tunnel project: demolishing several buildings to access a stalled tunnel boring machine (TBM). The possibility was raised during a recent meeting with residents of properties slated for relocation, according to reports.
PKP PLK emphasized that extracting the TBM to the surface is considered a “worst-case scenario.” Anna Znajewska-Pawluk, a spokesperson for PKP PLK, explained, “The considered option of access from above applies only to an emergency situation and refers to the worst of the analyzed scenarios, in which the shield would become jammed in the ground in such a way that unlocking it would only be possible by gaining access from the surface.”
The company clarified that the goal isn’t to remove the TBM entirely, but to potentially create a shaft allowing for technical work to remove excess bentonite – a substance used during the tunneling process – and restore the machine’s movement. The project, intended to streamline rail traffic through Łódź, has faced significant delays and complications.
The potential need for demolition comes after the original contractor, PBDiM, was terminated from the project in February 2026 following a building collapse in September 2024. The incident led to substantial relocation costs for residents and raised concerns about the project’s stability. Despite the challenges, PKP PLK maintains that the TBM remains functional and capable of completing the tunnel.
According to reports from May 8, 2025, a technical inspection and subsequent restart of the TBM are the primary focus of current efforts. This would allow for the continuation of tunnel construction towards the Łódź Śródmieście station and Łódź Fabryczna station.
However, questions remain about the TBM’s condition. While PBDiM asserted the machine’s operational readiness as recently as February 4, 2026, conducting “dry runs” of tube installation, PKP PLK is now exploring more drastic measures. The situation underscores the complexities and risks inherent in large-scale infrastructure projects.
PKP PLK stated that no final decisions have been made regarding the demolition of the buildings, pending administrative procedures and technical assessments. The company acknowledged the potential structural interconnections between the properties on Próchnika 44 and Aleja 1 Maja 19, 21, and 23, requiring detailed analysis.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Łódź tunnel project highlights the challenges facing infrastructure development in Poland and the potential financial implications of unforeseen complications. The selection of a new contractor is now a priority, with the hope of resuming work and completing the tunnel without resorting to demolition.
