Poland introduces a third emergency level for certain railway zones, suspends PKP Intercity parcel service, and launches a military operation called Horizon to safeguard critical rail infrastructure.
New Emergency Level Imposed on Railways
Prime Minister Donald Tusk signed a decree on 18 November installing a third emergency level for railway areas managed by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. and PKP Linia Hutnicza Szerokotorowa Sp. z o.o. The measure takes effect from 19 November 2025 at 00:00 and lasts until 28 February 2026 at 23:59.
The third emergency level requires 24‑hour duty rosters at designated public administration offices, duty shifts for officials, and the issuance of firearms and ammunition to personnel tasked with protective duties. Citizens are instructed to stay alert, report suspicious events, and comply with authorities’ orders.
Parcel Transport Halted
On 20 November, PKP Intercity announced on X that its conductor‑led parcel service would be suspended from Saturday, 22 November until further notice, following the prime minister’s decision.
The suspension applies only to services not specified in existing contracts for life‑saving drugs, blood‑derived products, and other biological materials.
Military Operations Following Sabotage Incidents
Also on 20 November, the Polish General Staff, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence and Internal Affairs, initiated Operation Horizon. The mission’s primary objective is to support other agencies in protecting railway infrastructure, including bridges, viaducts, and key transfer nodes operated by PKP.
