Under the scheme, dubbed 'Railway Plus' and first introduced in 2018, the government plans to extend the existing network of passenger connections, with a particular focus on linking towns to large cities, reported local portal Notesfrompoland.com.

"Poland is not only an archipelago of rich cities," said Morawiecki at a press conference in the eastern town of Janów Lubelski. "Most Poles live in medium and smaller towns and we also remember about them."

The prime minister revealed that the funding increase will allow the completion of 34 projects to upgrade existing lines or construct new ones, instead of the previously planned 17.

The program is expected to be completed by 2028. As envisaged under the original program, the state will cover 85% of investment costs, with the rest contributed by local authorities.