PKP closes Centralna just before the Independence March. Storm on the Internet
The most important railway station in Poland will disappear from timetables for over a week. For a few days, the capital will function without its main station – Warszawa Centralna. Although Polskie Linie Kolejowe assures that it is a technical modernization, theories have appeared on the Internet that it is a maneuver aimed at the participants of the Independence March.
From November 8 to 16, the Warszawa Centralna station will be completely closed to train traffic. According to representatives of Polskie Linie Kolejowe, this decision results from the need to carry out key modernization works that are intended to increase the capacity and safety of the entire railway junction in the capital.
“This solution will allow for more efficient train traffic, especially in the context of the planned modernization of the Warszawa Wschodnia station,” we read in a press release from PKP PLK.
Storm on the Internet. Theories about the political background of decisions
Information about the closure of the station in the days preceding the National Independence Day caused a wave of speculation. Some Internet users and representatives of national groups claim that the date of the work is not accidental.
An emotional entry appeared on the official profile of the Independence March on the X website. “The Warsaw Central Station is to be CLOSED on the date when tens of thousands of Poles from all over the country arrive for the Independence March! This is not an accident! This is not a ‘renovation’! This is a PURPOSE ACTION OF THE AUTHORITIES, aimed straight at the hearts of patriots! They want to make it difficult, hinder us, force us to give up celebrating the National Independence Day together! Will we allow political games to destroy our most important day? NO!” – we read.
PKP PLK response. “Facts instead of disinformation”
Polskie Linie Kolejowe responded to the controversy by publishing a comprehensive explanation. The company emphasizes that there is no connection between the date of work and the celebration of November 11.
“Facts instead of disinformation – what is really happening at the Warszawa Centralna station? On November 8-16, the construction of a turnout trapezoid is planned – a system of four new turnouts, which will significantly improve the capacity and flexibility of train traffic. This is part of the preparations for the modernization of the Warszawa Wschodnia station, which will also soon be temporarily closed to traffic,” the company’s representatives said in a statement.
It was added that at the same time, modern SRK (Rail Traffic Control) devices will be installed, necessary for the safety of the entire network. It was emphasized that due to the works, trains will not stop at the Warszawa Centralna station, but railway traffic in Warsaw will be maintained – detours and temporary route changes are planned.
As indicated, Intercity trains from Białystok, Lublin, Poznań, Bydgoszcz, Gdynia and Olsztyn will run through Warsaw Gdańsk and Warsaw Śródmieście, while trains from the west will end at Warszawa Główna, and from the east – at Warszawa Wschodnia.
PKP PLK ensures that anyone planning to come to the capital for the Independence March will be able to reach Warsaw without any obstacles. “Let’s celebrate Independence together – without disinformation!” – appeals the railway in its announcement.
