Polish Railways terminates Łódź tunnel contractor PBDiM over safety risks and delays, jeopardizing completion by 2028.
Termination Decision
PKP PLK terminated its contracts with PBDiM, citing safety concerns for residents, property protection along the route, and the need for stable project execution. The decision applies to three contracts: the main diameter tunnel, Łódź Koziny station, and the Włókniarzy traction substation.
Technical Failures and Catastrophe
Numerous execution errors were recorded during tunnel boring, including improper TBM chamber pressure control, lack of spoil balance, inadequate ground conditioning, and equipment failures. The contractor failed to analyze warning signals like pressure drops and ground deformations, leading to a catastrophic building collapse on September 6-7, 2024, at ul. 1 Maja 23.
Financial and Documentation Issues
PBDiM lost financial liquidity during the contract, leading to mass payment applications from subcontractors. Despite receiving 119 million PLN (10% of the contract value), the company failed to deliver full technical documentation or a credible restart plan. The TBM completed only 1,496 meters in 4.5 years—operating just 17.5% of the time—far below the contractual pace.
Next Steps and Uncertain Future
PKP PLK will initiate takeover of the construction site and select a new contractor to resume work safely and complete the project vital for Łódź and Poland’s rail network. However, legal disputes over tunnel boring machine ownership and PBDiM’s claims of inadequate contract valuation since 2015 complicate the timeline.
