In March this year, exactly 2 526 096 passengers used the services of Koleje Dolnośląskie. That is over 6% more (approximately 152,000 people) than during the previous record month—October last year. Compared with February this year, the number of travelers increased by as much as 16%, meaning approximately 357,000 additional passengers.
Millions of passengers, billions in investment
But Koleje Dolnośląskie’s successive records do not happen by chance. They are the result of consistent investments by the local government and the company in rolling stock and railway infrastructure in Lower Silesia, much of which is supported by European Union funds.
In total, the European Union has allocated more than 1.6 billion zlotys for the development of railways in Lower Silesia. As a result, by the end of 2026 Koleje Dolnośląskie will have a fleet of as many as 108 trains, 101 of which were purchased with the support of European funds.
“Rolling stock purchases and the new Koleje Dolnośląskie service hall are excellent examples of how EU funds drive the development of Lower Silesia. But EU support for rail does not end there, because thanks to EU funding we are revitalizing railway lines closed years ago, restoring connections for the region’s residents,” says Paweł Gancarz, Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.
The yellow-and-white trains have already returned, among other places, to Bielawa, while further routes are under development, including connections to Stronie Śląskie, Lądek-Zdrój and Srebrna Góra, as well as a connection from Wrocław through Niemcza to Piława Górna.
Lower Silesia on Europe’s railway map
The development of Koleje Dolnośląskie now has significance beyond the region. “The billions of zlotys we allocate to rail are paying off in millions of travelers each month. Koleje Dolnośląskie continues to break records, carrying 2.5 million passengers monthly. Modern rolling stock, a good offer and high-quality services are largely the result of funding from European funds that has flowed to Lower Silesia over the years,” says Michał Rado, Deputy Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, responsible, among other things, for rail.
These figures and the growing importance of rail on the region’s map can be clearly seen in another comparison. Today, in a single year, Koleje Dolnośląskie carry as many passengers as they served during the first decade of their operations not so long ago. In addition, everything indicates that 2026 may end with another record—this time an annual one—approaching 30 million passengers.
“European funds have played a key role in building a modern, efficient and accessible public transport system in the region. This is an excellent example of how wisely implemented EU assistance not only improves infrastructure but also makes life easier and creates new opportunities for the region’s residents. Joanna Sterzyńska-Lindberg, Director of the European Commission’s Regional Representation in Wrocław.”
Koleje Dolnośląskie is a carrier with annual passenger traffic exceeding 25 million. It operates the fastest regional connections in Poland, with nearly one hundred vehicles in its fleet. Lower Silesian trains reach four voivodeships.
The conference was organized in connection with the implementation by Koleje Dolnośląskie of the National Recovery Plan program funded by the “Purchase of 10 five-car electric multiple units” initiative.
The program also included special training sessions for students of technical and railway schools, during which students had the opportunity to meet railway employees, learn how the railway operates and talk to railway practitioners.