Poland’s PKP PLK Unveils Modern WAN Network Connecting 1800 Locations

PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. has launched a modern WAN network that will ensure greater data transmission security for critical railway infrastructure. The network connects over 1800 locations across Poland.

The project, initiated by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. at the beginning of 2022, aimed to modernize and ensure the continuity of data transmission services in the WAN network for the organizational needs of the infrastructure manager from 2023 to 2027. A modern and secure data transmission network is a crucial element of the company's digital transformation process, which has been initiated and is being consistently implemented by the new Management Board of Polskie Linie Kolejowe.

"The WAN network of PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. is critically important for the continuity of ICT services and the safety of railway operations and thus has strategic importance for the state. Therefore, when developing the requirements for the new network, quality—primarily understood as a guarantee of performance, security, and reliability—had to be placed at the forefront," says Bartosz Szadkowski, Director of the IT Office at PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A.

The provider of the IP VPN (MPLS) network, which is a key element of the critical infrastructure ensuring not only performance but also data transmission security, is Netia. The company was selected through a three-stage tender process in which all leading nationwide data transmission service providers participated.

"Excellent cooperation within the joint steering committee and the vast knowledge and commitment of all participants allowed for efficient risk mitigation. As a result, the network was delivered without delays, even ahead of schedule," says Jarosław Jeziorski, Director of the Key Clients Market – Public Administration.

The tender documentation was developed after months of work by a team of experts from the IT Office of PLK SA and technical dialogue with potential suppliers. Following the provisions of the "Public Procurement Law," the focus was on quality criteria. Cooperation within the joint steering committee and the involvement of all participants contributed to the network being delivered even before the established deadline.

Source: PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A.