Poland is investing heavily in high-capacity infrastructure, extending tracks, increasing speeds, and improving operational performance. As the network evolves, so do the requirements for railway infrastructure. Overhead contact line systems now have to be installed with such precision that they function smoothly for the long term. Any corrections after installation cost time, money, and often valuable track possessions. Deviations of even a few millimetres can have major consequences.

As trains travel at greater speeds, the overhead contact line and pantograph react more sensitively to irregularities. Uneven tensions from installation or tiny positioning errors lead more quickly to dramatic effects in the system. These cause uneven running, increased wear, and greater need for maintenance. As a result, it is all the more important to minimize such consequences in the construction stage.

Successful debut on a Pendolino line

The Plasser CatenaryLiner 300 made its successful debut in Kozłowo, where an overhead contact line was built for Pendolino trains. This was a technically demanding project with a tight schedule. The Pendolino trains used in Poland travel at high speeds of up to 200 km/h on modernized main lines. This significantly increases the requirements for the overhead contact line’s positional accuracy, dynamic stability, and voltage carrying properties, in order to guarantee good contact quality between the pantograph and the contact wire.

The first deployment of the Plasser CatenaryLiner 300 was therefore more than a test. It demonstrated under real operating conditions the most important factors in modern overhead contact line construction: reproducible quality, plannable processes, and execution that reliably fulfils even the toughest specifications.

The machine has been in regular use since August 2025 and has proven itself in day-to-day operations. It is used in both modernization projects and maintenance, making it a crucial part of the PPM-T fleet.

Consistent quality in ongoing operations

The machine’s best quality in daily operations is its consistency. It produces results of a constantly high quality, even over longer sections of line. This is a huge advantage, especially when time is of the essence. By making it easier to plan construction processes, the machine makes projects more reliable. It also has a positive effect on follow-up work. As the overhead contact line is installed in the specified final tension, there is barely any need for subsequent corrections. This not only reduces the workload on site, but also improves operational quality.

Efficiently using short track possessions

Construction teams often only have a short period of time in which to work, making every step critical. The Plasser CatenaryLiner 300 makes it possible to combine multiple work steps and execute them in a single process. This speeds up construction and simplifies project planning, while also making processes more reliable. Fewer actions mean fewer potential errors. This has a direct influence on the quality of the finished overhead contact line.

Quality built on technology

The installation system works at a defined tensile force of up to 38 kN on each of the three friction winches, and allows two contact wires and one carrying cable to be installed simultaneously. This combination is particularly beneficial for DC systems of the kind that are widespread in Poland. Installing multiple contact wires in parallel places high demands on the evenness of the tensile forces. These must be set precisely to create a stable and durable overhead contact line. Guiding the cable accurately ensures reliable compliance with the specified parameters. Flexibility in the construction process is another benefit. The machine lets staff work precisely even under difficult conditions, such as in curves, on superelevations, or when space is tight. This makes it easier to carry out complex projects and reduces the risk of deviations. The Plasser CatenaryLiner 300 also has two fully fledged driving control stations in both driving cabs, allowing for travel in both directions at up to 100 km/h.

Positive feedback from users

As far as user feedback is concerned, the verdict is clear. Polish company PPM-T views the machine very positively. Rafał Jadczak, head of the electrical engineering department, said: “The machine meets our expectations both in terms of performance and reliability. It has greatly improved the way we work.” He reserved particular praise for its consistent performance, precision, and ease of operation. Operating staff also gave the thumbs up, highlighting the machine’s intuitive handling and comfort. These factors translate into safe and efficient processes in daily operations.

Helping to modernize the network

The example in Poland shows what specialist machinery is capable of today. It not only improves the individual work steps, but also influences the entire construction process. It makes quality reproducible, enables better planning, and makes projects more efficient overall.