A key milestone was reached today, April 30th, as the tunnel connecting Warsaw’s West Station to a new underground tram line was officially breached.
Tunnel Breakthrough at Warsaw West Station
The wall connecting the new tram tunnel to the underground station at level -2 of Warsaw West Station was officially broken through. This marks a crucial step in the construction of Warsaw’s first underground tram line.
The breakthrough occurred at 12:00 PM today, April 30th, connecting the tunnel under construction from Ochota to the station grounds. The event symbolically links the new tram route with the existing station infrastructure.
Key Participants and Project Significance
Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, City Council Chair Ewa Malinowska-Grupińska, ZTM Director Katarzyna Strzegowska, Tramwaje Warszawskie President Wojciech Bartelski, and representatives from the construction companies attended the ceremony.
Route and Connectivity
The new route will connect the Grójecka and Bitwy Warszawskiej 1920 r. areas to the underground station at Warszawa Zachodnia. Passengers will be able to transfer between trams, trains, and buses at this station.
First Underground Tram Line in Warsaw
This investment is particularly important for public transport as it represents Warsaw’s first underground tram line. The city anticipates over 1.2 million passengers will use the line annually, traveling from Ochota to Warsaw West Station.
The underground tram stop will be located near the station entrance and connected to an underground passageway.
Tunnel Route and Surface Connections
The tram tunnel will run under Park Pięciu Sióstr, with the exit planned between the roadways of Bitwy Warszawskiej 1920 r. street, near School Complex No. 1 and the Ibis hotel. The first above-ground stop will be on Szczęśliwicka Street.
The route will continue between the roadways of Bitwy Warszawskiej 1920 r. street to Grójecka Street.
Grójecka Interchange
A key interchange is being built at Grójecka Street, allowing trams to travel towards the city center, Okęcie airport, and the Banacha loop. The city describes this layout as a star-shaped system, enabling tram traffic in multiple directions.
Improved Transfers at Warsaw West Station
The underground station at Warsaw West is designed to facilitate transfers to trains and buses. A convenient underground transfer hub is being created under the station, allowing passengers to easily access train and bus platforms.
This is crucial as Warsaw West Station, after its reconstruction, plays a key role in the city’s transport system.
Construction Progress and Timeline
The tunnel construction connects Bitwy Warszawskiej 1920 r. street with Warsaw West Station. In recent weeks, the contractor has concreted the first sections of the track slab and carried out structural work on the entrance ramp and at the tunnel-underground station connection.
Part of a Larger Transport Project
The tunnel is part of a larger transport project—an orbital tram connection designed to improve travel between Wola, Ochota, Mokotów, and Wilanów without traveling through the city center.
Symbolic and Practical Significance
Today’s event was symbolic but practically significant, representing the physical connection of the tunnel built from the Ochota side with the underground infrastructure of Warsaw West Station. This is another step towards launching the route, which will provide direct tram access to one of the capital’s most important transfer hubs.
Completion Date
According to city information, work on the tunnel section is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026. The entire new route from Grójecka Street to Warsaw West Station will open after testing and acceptance procedures are completed.
