Rail infrastructure in Poland

Abstract

ObjectivesThe purpose of this article is to present the state of the railway infrastructure in relation to the possibility of using it for the transport of tracked vehicles. It analyses the rolling stock available to the armed forces and the procedures for carrying out military transport by rail.MethodsThe research method used in this study consists of a review of the literature dealing with the implementation of military transport by rail. Based on the available data and literature, the state of the rail infrastructure in relation to its use for rail transport and the procedures for implementing military transport by rail are presented.ResultsThe analysis of the documents made it possible to identify and characterise the state of the railway infrastructure and the directions for its modernisation and development. The article presents rail freight corridors that are particularly important from a defence point of view.ConclusionsPoland's rail infrastructure is designed for non-military and military purposes. Rail transport is particularly important for the long-distance movement of tracked vehicles. In order to ensure the efficient transport of military equipment in times of crisis and conflict, the Armed Forces constantly carry out peacetime exercises. During the preparation and execution of military rail transport, procedures and activities of interaction with civil authorities are practised. The railway infrastructure is constantly modernised and adapted to the transport of passengers and goods, taking into account the security conditions of the state and the expected support of the allies.