More than 250 trains have been cancelled due to record-breaking heat

Over 250 train cancellations have been reported across Poland's rail network, marking one of the most severe disruptions in recent history. The situation arose due to extreme heatwaves that caused significant deformation of railway tracks. By Monday evening, at 7:30 PM, PKP PLK, the company responsible for managing the national rail infrastructure, had canceled the operation of 258 trains. This unprecedented number of cancellations has left many passengers stranded and disrupted both passenger and freight services nationwide.

The primary cause of the disruption was the thermal expansion of steel rails, which can lead to track buckling when temperatures exceed 70 degrees Celsius. In such cases, the first measure taken is to reduce train speeds to prevent further damage. However, when more serious issues arise, train operations are halted entirely. According to PKP PLK spokesperson Piotr Hamarnik, affected passengers were assured of alternative transportation options. Between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, all freight train movements were suspended to prioritize passenger transport.

By around 8:00 PM, technical teams managed to resolve the issues on two sections of line 97: between Radziszów and Leńcze, as well as between Stryszów and Stronie. Train traffic was restored on these segments after the necessary repairs were completed. Additionally, similar problems were reported on line 169, connecting Tychy and Łaziskami Średnimi. Long-distance trains running along this route were rerouted, while Koleje Śląskie, the regional rail operator in Silesia, introduced bus services to maintain some level of connectivity. Speed restrictions were also imposed on multiple sections of the Silesian rail network.

The challenging conditions on the railways are expected to persist into the following days. In response to the disruptions, PKP Intercity announced that its tickets would be valid for travel on Polregio trains throughout the country. Furthermore, the deadline for refunding tickets without any deductions has been extended until July 2nd. This applies to tickets purchased by June 29th. These measures aim to provide relief to passengers affected by the ongoing rail service interruptions.

Meteorological forecasts indicate that the high temperatures will continue to pose challenges for the rail network. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management predicts maximum temperatures ranging from 26 degrees Celsius in northern regions to 36 degrees Celsius in southern areas on Tuesday. On Wednesday, temperatures could reach up to 37 degrees Celsius in the southeast, adding further pressure on the already strained rail system. As the heatwave continues, the resilience of the rail infrastructure remains under scrutiny, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies to manage such extreme weather events in the future.