Kraków, 1 of the most trafficked cities in Poland, faces a historical opportunity. The Vice president of Krakow, Prof. Stanisław Mazur, presented ambitious plans to build the metro, which is to revolutionize public transport in the capital of Małopolska. Project, valued around PLN 14 billion, to be ready to run first line as early as 2035, subject to the start of work in 2030. Mazur firmly stresses that "Krakow cannot afford no metro", pointing to its key function in solving communication problems, promoting economical improvement and improving the quality of life of residents. The fresh underground railway, whose tunnels will be located at a depth of 15-20 meters, will bypass the strict centre due to its historical building, connecting key districts and beginning fresh perspectives for areas that are poorly connected today.
Necessity of the Metro in Krakow: Why does the city have no choice?
Faced with an expanding population and traffic, Kraków urgently needs a strategy communication solution. Prof. Stanisław Mazur emphasises that the current structure of the city prevents further expansion of the tram network. "New tram lines do not change the transport habits of residents – metro yes," the vice president points out. The metro is to respond to chronic traffic, offering an alternate to individual transport. It is estimated that starting a subway could attract approximately 280 000 passengers per day, with any stations reaching 40 1000 people, comparable to the busiest stations in Warsaw.
Route, Costs and Financing: Who will pay for the Krakow subway?
The first 2 metro lines in Kraków are an investment estimated at PLN 14 billion. The city authorities are counting on getting 40-50 percent of this amount from the central budget and European funds. The remainder is to come from private investment, loans from the European improvement Bank and self-government. The planned way will connect New Huta with confederate city districts specified as Abbotts and Kurdwans. The line will run through the vicinity of Rond Młyński and Mogilski, close Main Station and Kleparz. The strict center was deliberately omitted due to archaeological considerations and hazard of harm to monuments. The tunnels will be drilled deep 15-20 metersminimizing interference in the historical tissue of the city.
Benefits for residents and city development: What will change the subway?
Vice president Mazur points to a number of benefits of building a subway. It has a crucial shorten travel time, increase comfort and safety passengers. Moreover, it will become an impulse to make fresh investment sites, especially in areas with mediocre communication today. The investment besides has a affirmative environmental impact, contributing to reduce exhaust emissions and reduce congestion, which is crucial for improving air quality in Kraków. The metro, changing transport habits, will effectively relieve the streets and improve the overall quality of life in the city, offering a fast and reliable means of transport.
Security and Innovation: Metro as a shelter and autonomous system
The Krakow metro is not only to be a modern means of transport, but besides a critical infrastructure element. Prof. Mazur emphasizes his possible function as shelter for residents in emergency situations, recalling an example of the Kiev metro. In Krakow, where there are only 200 shelters for 300 000 inhabitants, specified a function of the metro is invaluable. The city authorities besides have the ambition to make Krakow metro fully autonomous, without drivers and automated. To guarantee the safety of construction in the historical city, the Metro technological and Advisory Councilof 20 experts. A consultation is conducted with the monument conservationist, and the city analyses cases specified as the 1 in Łódź to avoid akin incidents.
Perspectives and Challenges: erstwhile will they start work?
Despite ambitious plans, the implementation of the metro task faces major financial challenges. Prof. Mazur admits that Kraków is in a hard budget situationBut the city has already secured funds for the plan phase. However, the key will be financial assembly in which the contribution of the city may be postponed over time, and the main function will be in government and EU funds. The Vice president announced that if construction works started in 2030, the first metro line will go to Krakow in 2035. It is simply a position requiring determination and effective acquisition of funds, but as Prof. Mazur emphasizes, it is an investment which the deficiency of Krakow simply cannot afford.
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Kraków: Metro in 2035! The Vice president reveals plans for PLN 14 billion and the route.
