In September 2024, a contract was signed for the design of the first phase of the CPK railway hub, to be executed by the consortium of Elkol and Mosty Katowice. The task includes preparing design documentation and obtaining necessary construction permits. HydroBIM is responsible for the hydro technical aspects of this section.
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What is the CPK Railway Hub?
The construction of the railway hub within CPK aims to reduce travel times between Poland’s major cities. The project plans to connect metropolitan areas such as Warsaw, Wrocław, Poznań, and Gdańsk with high-speed rail lines. The CPK railway hub will encompass a station and terminal integrated with the airport, facilitating transfers and enhancing passenger comfort.
HydroBIM engineers’ involvement in CPK design
HydroBIM’s engineers and designers, specializing in hydrotechnics and hydrology, are engaged in the CPK project. As a hydrotechnical subcontractor, HydroBIM is responsible for developing solutions in areas such as:
- Reconstruction of conflicts with watercourses and drainage systems
- Conducting hydrological and hydraulic calculations for major communication structures (bridges, culverts)
- Designing stormwater management systems (retention tanks, ditches)
Beyond the CPK hub, HydroBIM’s team is involved in hydro engineering tasks on sections LK 5, 29, 54, 85, and 86.
Challenges in designing the CPK railway hub
Designing the CPK railway hub presents several challenges related to water management, flood protection, and ensuring effective site drainage. Drainage and hydro technical systems must be tailored to local hydrological conditions, such as groundwater levels and soil types. With changing climate and increasing rainfall intensity, designers must consider the risk of excess stormwater, necessitating precise hydrodynamic modeling. Integrating these solutions with other infrastructure elements in multidisciplinary projects is always challenging. Here, HydroBIM’s experience in large projects and the use of modern technologies like BIM aid in effective inter-branch coordination.
Impact of the CPK railway hub on passenger transport
The railway hub will enable high-speed trains to traverse routes between Poland’s main cities in shorter times. For instance, the journey between Warsaw and Łódź will be reduced to about 45 minutes. Additionally, the project includes connecting the airport with major cities, facilitating transfers for long-distance travelers.
Benefits of completing the CPK project
Although the project has sparked controversy and emotions over the years, particularly regarding property acquisitions for the railway hub and airport, the planned benefits far outweigh the inconveniences. CPK has the potential to increase air accessibility by 10% and generate approximately 150,000 new jobs across various sectors, leading to GDP growth. A modern logistics hub will be established, enabling Poland to capture a share of cargo transport currently handled by other European ports, resulting in significant state budget revenues from customs and VAT.
Central Communication Port Project
CPK is a large-scale infrastructure project located in the Baranów municipality, encompassing the construction of a new airport and a system of rail and road connections. Dubbed a “transport hub,” the investment aims to link Warsaw, Łódź, and major Polish cities, enhancing accessibility for both passengers and goods.
Why HydroBIM’s involvement is critical
HydroBIM plays a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s hydrotechnical and hydrological aspects meet the highest standards. With the complexity of integrating water management systems into large-scale infrastructure projects like the CPK, HydroBIM’s expertise in cutting-edge hydrodynamic modeling and BIM-driven coordination ensures efficient project delivery and sustainability.
Water engineering solutions for sustainable infrastructure
The design work led by HydroBIM focuses on achieving effective stormwater management while ensuring ecological compatibility. This includes:
- Designing retention tanks to mitigate flood risks and manage stormwater effectively.
- Introducing innovative solutions like green infrastructure for natural water retention.
- Ensuring compliance with Polish and EU environmental standards.
Future perspectives of the CPK railway hub
The CPK railway hub is not only a national-scale project but also a strategic development initiative enhancing Poland’s position in European transport networks. It is poised to:
- Boost regional economic development by improving connectivity.
- Support the transition to sustainable transport by reducing reliance on road-based travel.
- Foster urban and regional integration, making Poland a pivotal transport node in Central Europe.
HydroBIM’s involvement underscores the importance of advanced water engineering in tackling the challenges of modern infrastructure development, ensuring that projects like CPK set benchmarks for efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in European transportation projects.
Long-term benefits for Poland and the region
The completion of the CPK railway hub will bring enduring advantages, not only for Poland but also for the broader Central and Eastern European region. Among the anticipated long-term benefits are:
- Economic growth:
- Enhanced connectivity will bolster trade and logistics operations.
- The project is expected to attract foreign investments, creating new business opportunities.
- Employment opportunities:
- The construction and operation phases are predicted to generate thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly.
- Industries such as logistics, tourism, and local services will thrive due to improved infrastructure.
- Improved quality of life:
- Faster and more reliable transport will make commuting more convenient.
- By integrating sustainable solutions, the project aims to reduce environmental impacts, contributing to healthier urban environments.
- Strategic significance:
- The CPK hub positions Poland as a key transit country, strengthening its role in European transport corridors.
- The project will link Poland with international rail networks, enabling smoother connections to neighboring countries.
HydroBIM’s commitment to excellence
As a leading provider of hydrotechnical expertise, HydroBIM is dedicated to ensuring that the CPK railway hub embodies innovation and sustainability. The company leverages:
- Advanced methodologies: Utilising BIM (Building Information Modelling) for enhanced project collaboration and efficiency.
- Specialised expertise: Delivering tailored hydrological and hydraulic solutions to meet the unique challenges of the project.
- Sustainability focus: Prioritising environmental protection and resilience to climate change in all designs.
Final thoughts
The CPK railway hub is not just an infrastructure project—it’s a transformative initiative that will reshape Poland’s transportation landscape. HydroBIM’s integral role in this ambitious project exemplifies the importance of expert collaboration in achieving large-scale, impactful outcomes. Through innovation, meticulous planning, and a commitment to sustainability, the CPK railway hub is set to become a model for modern, efficient, and environmentally conscious infrastructure development.
Learn more about HydroBIM involvement in the CPK Project:
Title image source: cpk.pl