As of March 2026, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) Kinga has successfully completed its primary assignment on one of Poland’s most ambitious rail infrastructure programmes. On 25 March, the machine broke through beneath Pisarzowa mountain, marking a major milestone for the Podłęże–Piekiełko project in the country’s southern Małopolska region.
A Strategic Investment in Poland’s Rail Future
The Podłęże–Piekiełko scheme—centred on Railway Line No. 104—is among the most technically demanding rail investments currently underway in Poland. TBM Kinga has been operating on Section D, between Limanowa and Klęczany, where the project team is modernising and electrifying existing lines while constructing new high‑performance sections.
Once complete, the upgraded corridor will create a fast, direct connection between Kraków and Nowy Sącz, reducing travel time to approximately 60 minutes and significantly improving regional mobility.
The full programme includes the construction of 16 tunnels totalling 21 km, making it one of the largest tunnel portfolios in Poland’s modern rail history.
Kinga’s Mission: A 3.8 km Evacuation Tunnel
Ordered by the Budimex–Gülermak consortium, Kinga was the first of two TBMs deployed on this section. Its task: to excavate a 3.8 km technical and evacuation tunnel running parallel to the main rail tunnel. This passage will serve as a critical safety and maintenance route once the line enters operation.
Technical Profile of TBM “Kinga”
• Diameter: 4.8 m
• Total length: 170 m
• Weight: Over 600 tonnes
• Drilling duration: 311 active excavation days (359 days total on site)
• Manufacture: Built in China and transported to Poland via the Port of Gdynia
Despite being the smaller of the two machines on the project, Kinga has played a vital role in enabling safe, modern tunnel infrastructure for the future railway.
What Comes Next: “Jadwiga” Continues the Main Tunnel Drive
While Kinga’s work is now complete, its larger sister machine, Jadwiga—with an impressive 11 m diameter—continues to advance the main railway tunnel. As of late March 2026, Jadwiga has less than 700 metres remaining before its own breakthrough.
The continued progress of both TBMs underscores the momentum behind the Podłęże–Piekiełko project and Poland’s broader commitment to modernising its rail network through complex underground engineering. For further information please visit the tunnelbuilder archive. 13/26.
