Gdańsk on the Railway Map – TRAKO 2025 to Boost European Connectivity

The dynamic expansion of Poland’s railway infrastructure, driven by the development of the TransEuropean Transport Network (TEN-T), has led to substantial investments in both national and cross-border railway projects as well as the construction of the country’s first high-speed rail network. This opens up new business opportunities not only for rail companies, but also for construction firms from across Europe. At the same time, the European railway sector faces important challenges such as digitalization, interoperability, fleet modernization, and the implementation of decarbonization strategies in transportation.

Located at the crossroads of transport routes linking Europe from north to south and east to west, Poland plays a vital role in enhancing European connectivity and strengthening the continent’s resilience. This presents a significant opportunity for suppliers of railway technologies, construction materials and components, rolling stock manufacturers, and engineering companies from Belgium, Italy, France, Slovenia, Portugal, and Romania.

“Poland is set to become one of the pillars of the European transport system in the coming years. The massive rail investments currently underway are not only developing our country, but also creating space for collaboration with companies from all over Europe. We warmly invite them to participate. TRAKO is the perfect occasion to forge new partnerships and present innovative solutions that align with the region’s rail development strategy,” says Dorota DaszkowskaKosewska, Head of TRAKO - International Railway Fair.

The previous edition of TRAKO welcomed over 23,000 visitors from 54 countries – including 32 European nations – and featured 617 exhibitors from 30 countries showcasing the latest achievements in railway infrastructure, logistics, digitalization, and rolling stock. The exhibition covered an area of 31,000 m², with outdoor displays offering premiere presentations of cuttingedge technologies and rail vehicles. Among them was the world’s first solution for retrofitting existing railway wagons to enable independent movement without a locomotive – the MagRail Booster – which has attracted interest from France’s SNCF as they seek to enhance efficiency and capacity in both passenger and freight transport.

The upcoming edition of TRAKO is not only an exhibition space, but also a platform for an extensive professional programme. In 2023, it featured over 100 panel discussions, debates, and presentations. For TRAKO 2025, nearly 70 expert events are already scheduled. The opening debate, titled “Competitiveness and Financing of Railways in the European Union,” will focus on the railway sector’s potential to drive economic decarbonization and support key EU policy goals.

Funding will also be at the heart of the 5th Infrastructure Debate, organized by the Ministry of Infrastructure, the PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe, the Land Transport Chamber of Commerce (IGTL), the Office of Rail Transport, and the PKP Group. Additionally, the debate “EU Co-financing of Transport Projects – Plans, Challenges, and Risks”, hosted by the Centre for EU Transport Projects, will further explore this critical topic.

Participants will also have the opportunity to join events such as the Rail Freight Forum, organized by the ProKolej Foundation, which will address the future of rail freight transport, and the debate “The Passenger Comes First” led by the PKP Group.

Experts, decision-makers, and industry leaders will gather in Gdańsk to discuss the most pressing challenges facing the sector—including the green transformation of rail transport, the integration of European networks, securing the capacity and resilience of the supply chain for rail infrastructure materials and components, and the future of infrastructure investment financing.

The final day of the fair will be dedicated to education and careers in the railway sector, with the 5th edition of Education and Career Day. The previous edition attracted 2,500 students from Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Denmark, and the United Kingdom.

Moreover, TRAKO will mark the beginning of celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Polish State Railways (PKP) and the 200th anniversary of rail transport worldwide. The fair takes place just before a symbolic date in railway history: on September 27, 1825, the 19-kilometer Stockton– Darlington line was ceremonially opened. Celebrating both the bicentennial of world railways and the centenary of PKP will not only highlight technical and organizational achievements but also provide a moment for reflection on the history and future of rail. These joint jubilees are not only a tribute to the past but also a source of inspiration for further development with the future of transport in mind.

Date:
September 23–26, 2025

Venue:
AMBEREXPO,
Gdańsk,
Poland

More info and tickets:
www.trakoexpo.com

Organisers:
PKP Group
Gdańsk International Fair C.o. AMBEREXPO

Honorary patronages:
Ministry of Infrastructure
Office of Rail Transport

Programme board:
Ministry of Infrastructure
Office of Rail Transport
Centre for EU Transport Projects
PKP PLK SA
Association for Rail Transport Interoperability and Development
Association of Polish Electrical Engineers
Association of Rail Transport Experts and Managers
Chamber of Urban Transport
Land Transport Chamber of Commerce Medcom
PESA
Polish Association of Engineers and Technicians of Transportation
Polish Association of Local Government Carriers
Polish International Freight Forwarders Association
ProKolej Foundation
Railway Business Forum
Railway Research Institute
TOR Transport Consultants Group
Tracktec

PARTNER:
PGE Energetyka Kolejowa

TRAKO Gala Partner:
Budimex

Media Partners:
Railway Gazette Group
Rynek Kolejowy
Sektor Kolejowy
Via Libre
Nowoczesne Budownictwo Inżynieryjne
Napędy i Sterowanie
Raport Kolejowy