Kościan 2025-03-27

PKP Kościan. 2025

The city of Kościan.

Kościan is a city in western Poland, in the Wielkopolska province, with a rich and long history dating back to the Middle Ages. The city is the seat of the authorities of the rural commune of Kościan and Kościan district. The city is located on the Wielkopolska Lowland, on the Kościan Canal, which flows into the Southern Canal of the Obra River on the Leszczyńska Upland, 42 km south of Poznań. In Germanic, the city is called Kosten.

The settlement of Kościan was probably founded in the 13th century and quickly became one of the most important centers in Greater Poland. Kościan was located on the Wrocław – Poznań trade route. Initially, Kościan was owned by the princes of Greater Poland. Kościan received city rights before 1296 and was a Polish Royal City. Craftsmanship developed in the settlement, and thanks to fairs, merchants came to the city. The melioration carried out in the vicinity of Kościan allowed agriculture to develop. The city also began to perform administrative functions and became the capital of the Kościan district. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the city flourished as a center of clothmaking. In 1518, Kościan received a royal privilege, which supported economic development and gave it additional rights. The period of the Reformation brought religious chaos and led to the division of the community of residents. The Polish population remained faithful to the Catholic faith, and the Germanic settlers introduced novelties of zament. Kościan became a place of intense religious disputes. In the 17th century, the city suffered as a result of the Swedish Deluge (1655–1660) and the Great Northern War (1700–1721). During this time, Kościan declined economically and its importance decreased.

In 1793, after the second partition of Poland, Kościan came under Prussian rule. At the beginning of the 19th century, during the Napoleonic Wars, the city briefly belonged to the Duchy of Warsaw, but after the Congress of Vienna in 1815, it returned to Prussia. At that time, Germanization and open hostility towards the Polish population intensified. In the 19th century, despite Germanic rule, Kościan was a provincial town, and its development was very slow. On June 22, 1868, the Kościan County Loan Company (later the People’s Bank in Kościan, currently the Cooperative Bank in Kościan) was established in the city, as one of the first in the Polish lands under partition, founded by 47 residents of Kościan and the surrounding area. Poles actively supported national uprisings, and the last Greater Poland Uprising, 1918-1919, ended with the annexation of Greater Poland to the Reborn Republic of Poland. In the period 1919-1939, there was a temporary development of the city, brutally interrupted by another world war started by the Germans and their Muscovite brothers.

During the occupation, the Germans carried out mass executions of Polish citizens. Part of the Polish population was deported to the General Government. Tragic events took place in Kościan, as a result of which many Poles lost their lives. One of the most dramatic episodes was the extermination of patients of the Provincial Psychiatric Hospital. Between 15 and 22 January 1940, a German special unit murdered 523 people. Then, from 9 February 1940, patients were brought to the institution from German psychiatric facilities such as Treptow, Lauenburg, Uckermünde and Szczecin; a total of 2,750 people, who were also murdered. In addition, in the forests near Jarogniewice, not far from Kościan, about 3,000 people were murdered during the German occupation. Unfortunately, the exact number of Polish victims in Kościan itself, during World War II, is not precisely known. Available data indicates mass executions, displacements and other forms of repression against the civilian population, but the full number of victims remains difficult to determine. On January 27, 1945, after three days of fighting, Kościan was occupied by the Soviet army and the communist dictatorship began.

After the end of the war in 1946, the town had 10,800 inhabitants, and in 1961, the number increased to 15,993. After the war, the town was rebuilt from the war damage and expanded. By the 1960s, 130 new residential houses, a primary school and several buildings intended for administration had been built. 3 bridges were built or rebuilt, replacing the 4 destroyed before the war.

Currently, Kościan is a peaceful town with well-developed infrastructure and a rich history. Many monuments have been preserved, including the Gothic parish church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Nicholas, the town hall and fragments of the former defensive walls.

The area of ​​the town is 8.79 km2. The population of the town was 23,563 inhabitants in 2023.

Sugar factory in Kościan. 1881-2004.

The sugar factory in Kościan played a key role in the development of the city for 123 years. Its history began in 1881, when local landowners founded the “Towarzystwo Akcyjne – Cukrownia w Kościanie”. The construction of the plant took only a year, and its location near the Poznań-Wrocław railway line encouraged dynamic development. In the first production campaign, 175 thousand quintals of sugar beets were processed, which indicates a significant scale of activity, already at the very beginning. The sugar factory was equipped with modern steam engines and had its own railway siding and a gasworks to light the plant. In the interwar period, especially after modernization in 1925-1926, the sugar factory became one of the leading enterprises of this type in Poland. It employed about 100 permanent and 300 seasonal workers, contributing to the economic development of the region. After World War II, the sugar factory was nationalized and incorporated into the “Sugar Factories of Greater Poland”. It operated continuously until 2004, when a decision was made to end production. Since then, most of the buildings have been demolished or transformed, and the area of ​​the former sugar factory has undergone significant changes. The leftist-Masonic authorities in Poland are responsible for the sugar factory’s collapse, as they did not consent to the incorporation of the sugar factory into the Polish concern “Polski Cukier”. These actions were inspired by Western European countries. In Poland, a similar approach was taken with the production of milk, rapeseed, livestock, fruit and many other agricultural products. Currently (2025), the remains of the sugar factory, such as the historic administrative building, are the subject of revitalization plans aimed at giving them new life and a new function in the urban space. Generations of residents of this town worked in the Kościan Sugar Factory. The plant was closed as a result of the scandalous policy towards Polish sugar factories. Today, from the trains passing through Kościan, you can see only the chimney, factory ruins and empty lots left after this plant.

Currently (2025) the largest factory in Kościan is MEPROZET KOŚCIAN S.A., which specializes in the production of sewage tankers and is the largest manufacturer of this type of machinery in Poland and one of the largest in Europe. The MEPROZET KOŚCIAN S.A. factory remains a key industrial plant in the city, continuing Kościan’s production traditions.

In 2011, a roof tile factory was planned to be built in Kościan, which was to be the third and largest factory of the concern, with an annual production of 30 million roof tiles and 2 million roof accessories.

In 2018, the American company Jost Chemical began the construction of a chemical plant in Kościan with an area of ​​0.46 ha, with the planned completion of the investment in the summer of 2019.

Railway in Kościan.

Address; DWORCOWA Street 1, 64-000 KOŚCIAN. Geographic coordinates 52.079 N 16.642 E. Elevation 69 m.

The history of the railway in Kościan dates back to the second half of the 19th century and is closely linked to the development of the railway network in Wielkopolska. The railway played a key role in the economic and social development of the city, facilitating the transport of people and goods and contributing to the industrialization of the region.

The first railway line reached Kościan in 1856 and was part of the route connecting Poznań with Wrocław. It was one of the most important railway lines in the then Prussian partition, as it allowed for fast transport between two key commercial and industrial centers. The technical train passed on October 27, 1856. The first train arrived at the station in Kościan on October 29, 1856, when the Poznań – Leszno line was opened.

In 1856, the station was opened, which was built according to a standard design for medium-sized stations. During its history, the station was rebuilt several times, but it still retained its shape and functionality. The last renovation of the station was carried out in the period 2013-2014. Only the walls remained of the old building, and in the end the shape of the building was preserved. The roof, ceilings, windows, doors and all installations were replaced. The building was insulated with polystyrene. The layout of the rooms and communication routes was changed. New ventilation systems were made and air conditioning was installed. The building is close to a rectangle at the base and is symmetrical. At the base, the building measures 13 m x 44 m. The usable area is 1,314 m2, excluding the basement rooms. The building has 11 axes. The central part has three storeys, and the side wings have two storeys each. Additionally, the outer wings are lowered. From the station square and the station level, the building has two single-storey projections. The projections on the south side serve as the main entrances. The building was painted grey, with a shade of blue. The windows were framed with cream-coloured (light yellow) stucco. The window joinery is dark grey. The station received additional entrances for railway services.

The station building contains ticket offices, toilets, ticket machines, luggage lockers, and a waiting room. The station is adapted to serve the disabled. There is also a Municipal Guard station in the station. In the 1970s, a neon sign with the inscription Railway Station was installed on the facade of the station building, on the city side. The non-functional neon sign was removed during the last renovation in 2013.

After the last renovation, the exit from the building to Platform 1 was equipped with stairs, because the platforms were low. Additionally, railings and balustrades were installed. After the renovation of the station level and platforms (2018-2020), which were raised, only two low steps remained. The railings were removed. The square in front of the station is lower than the tracks and to get around the building you have to climb 9 steps, and wheelchair users have a ramp at their disposal on the south side (towards Leszno).

Kościan Station.

After the station was opened, in the following decades Kościan became an important railway junction, especially for agricultural and industrial transport. Thanks to the railway, the trade opportunities of local entrepreneurs increased, which contributed to the development of mills, sugar factories and other industrial plants in the region. At the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century, the railway infrastructure was expanded, including industrial sidings and additional shunting tracks. The railway also allowed easier access to cities such as Leszno, Rawicz, Wrocław and Poznań.

During World War II, the railway lines in Kościan were of great strategic importance. The Germans used rail transport for military purposes, and the station itself was an important transshipment point.

After the war, the railway infrastructure had to be rebuilt due to war damage. After 1945, the railway in Kościan continued to play a key role in passenger and freight transport. During the period of the Polish People’s Republic, the railway lines and rolling stock were modernized, which increased their capacity. Two new platforms and a tunnel for passengers were built in Kościan. A water tower was also built, which stands about 100 m from the station to the north. The station also had a rectangular locomotive shed with three stations.

In 1969, the Puszczykowo – Leszno section of the line was electrified, and with it the Kościan station.

In the 1990s, due to the socio-economic changes in Poland, the importance of the railway gradually decreased. The Masonic-liberal authorities systematically eliminated the number of railway connections, railway lines, and even railway stations. They were not interested in the social exclusion of residents of smaller towns. Cities such as Śrem and Wielichowo completely lost their rail connections; passenger and freight. The Kościan – Gostyń railway line was liquidated. At the moment (2025), there are railway tracks left on the Kościan – Grodzisk Wielkopolski section. The tracks of this line, within the Kościan station, have been renovated, but the tracks are still impassable.

In the period 2018-2020, the Kościan railway underwent a modernization process. As part of the modernization program of the E59 railway line (connecting Wrocław, Poznań and Szczecin), the railway station was rebuilt, platforms were modernized and modern traffic control systems were introduced. In 2020, electrification and modernization of the tracks were completed, which allowed for the acceleration of train traffic. Now trains travel at a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Currently, Kościan has a well-functioning railway station serving both regional and long-distance trains, providing residents with convenient access to large cities.

During the time of the United Right (2015-2023), the CPK (Central Communication Port) program was developed. The residents of Kościan would have the opportunity to use the so-called spoke No. 9, i.e. either a connection to Poznań or a connection to Leszno. And further: Kalisz – Sieradz – Łódź – CPK. Unfortunately, in 2023, the German communists-freemasons came to power in Poland and the CPK Program was liquidated.

Currently, there are two platforms and three platform edges at the station. The platforms are 415 m long, which allows all passenger trains to stop within the platform boundaries. Both platforms are covered with metal and glass shelters, typical for railways in Wielkopolska. The platforms are connected by a tunnel, which was renovated during the last reconstruction of the station. Additionally, elevators for passengers in wheelchairs, with large luggage and bicycles were installed.

In the southern part of the station there is a building of the former rectangular locomotive shed, built of red brick. In front of the locomotive shed there is the remains of a small turntable. Also in this part of the station is the beginning of the railway line No. 376 Kościan – Opalenica. However, the D1 – Stój railway shield is still within the station boundaries. Also in the southern head of the station there were railway tracks to the inactive Kościan Sugar Factory. The railway ramp and storage yard are operational. Railway line No. 366 Miejska Górka – Kościan, left the station towards the north and after passing the canals turned towards the east. Sidings to several industrial plants branched off from this line. In the northern head of the station there is a water tower, a pumping station building and a tunnel with Młyńska Street. During the renovation of the station, the rail-road crossing along Młyńska Street was eliminated and a modern tunnel was built under the railway line. In 2021, as part of the renovation works, Gostyńska Street, DW No. 308, was also routed through a modern tunnel under the railway line.

According to the PKP classification, Kościan has the category of a regional station. Since 2015, Kościan station has served approximately 900,000 – 950,000 passengers per year. Except for the period 2020-2021, when there was a pandemic of the Chinese virus. In March 2024, 96 trains departed from Kościan station to the following stations: Bielsko-Biała Główna, Gdynia Główna, Gniezno, Jelenia Góra, Katowice, Koło, Kołobrzeg, Konin, Kraków Główny, Leszno, Lichkov, Olsztyn Główny, Poznań Główny, Przemyśl Główny, Rawicz, Szamotuły, Szklarska Poręba Górna, Świnoujście, Ustka, Wągrowiec, Wrocław Główny, Zakopane, Żory. In the immediate vicinity of the station there is also a bus station, mainly operated by the PKS Leszno company.

Historic platform shelter.

The historic platform shelter that stood on Platform 2 has been moved. On 25 October 2017, the shelter was entered on the list of monuments under registration number 1034/Wlkp/A. The shelter was built in 1906, as a steel-riveted structure. During the renovation of the station (2018-2020), it turned out that the shelter would not fulfill its function properly on the new Platform 2. Since a parking lot for 100 cars was planned between the station and the water tower, it was decided to use the shelter as a roof for a bicycle parking lot.

Railway lines in Kościan.

Railway line No. 271 Wrocław Główny – Poznań Główny is a double-track line, electrified with 3 kV DC, with a length of 164.212 km, with a maximum speed of 160 km/h. The line runs meridionally. The line was launched along its entire length in 1856. Construction lasted from 1853 to 1856. In 1920, the line was incorporated into the PKP network. Electrification was carried out in 1969-1970. Currently, it is one of the most heavily used railway lines in Poland.

Railway line No. 366 Miejska Górka – Kościan. Originally, the line connected Pakosław – Kościan and had a length of 84.689 km. From Kościan it ran eastwards. The line had stations Pakosław – Chojno Wielkopolskie – Miejska Górka – Roszkówko – Gostkowo – Niepart – Ciołkowo – Krobia – Krobia Miasto – Wymysłowo – Domachowo – Ziółkowo – Bodzewo – Grabonóg – Gostyń – Dusina – Kunowo (railway museum) – Bielewo – Bieżyń – Lubiń Kościański – Jerka – Rogaczewo – Choryń – Racot – Kurzagóra – Kościan. The traffic was launched in sections. On 17 May 1898, freight traffic was launched on the Miejska Górka – Gostkowo section. On 12 September 1904, freight traffic was launched on the Gostkowo – Gostyń section. On October 6, 1900, traffic was launched on the Gostyń – Kościan section. Each section belonged to a different company. Passenger traffic was launched on October 1, 1904, on the Gostkowo – Gostyń section. Rail traffic was suspended in stages. On May 27, 1979, traffic was suspended on the Miejska Górka – Krobia section. On June 30, 1987, traffic was suspended on the Krobia – Gostyń section. On September 9, 1991, traffic was suspended on the Gostyń – Kościan section. On the Pakosław-Miejska Górka section, the last train passed in 1978. This section was physically liquidated in 1990. Only the former station building in Pakosław remained, serving, among other things, as a paint shop. In the town of Bieżyń, the base of the Krzywińska Draisine Railway operated. The last stage of the line liquidation took place in 2024. Currently (2025) the line has been physically liquidated along its entire length. The line was of normal gauge 1435 mm.

Railway line No. 376 Kościan – Opalenica, is single-track, 39.942 km long, built as a standard gauge 1435 mm, currently not in use. Stations on the line; Kościan – Bonikowo – Sepno – Plastowo – Cykowo – Ujazd Wielkopolski – Grodzisk Wielkopolski – Grąblewo – Słocinice – Kurowo – Urbanowe – Sielinko – Opalenica Wiatraki – Opalenica. The line partially physically exists. On September 1, 1901, the Kościan – Grodzisk Wielkopolski section was launched. On December 10, 1881, the Opalenica – Grodzisk Wielkopolski section was launched. The suspension of traffic occurred in stages. On May 27, 1989, traffic was suspended on the Kościan – Grodzisk Wielkopolski section. On September 9, 1991, traffic was suspended on the Grodzisk Wielkopolski – Opalenica section. Despite the official closure, sugar beets were transported on this line to the Kościan Sugar Factory for several seasons. In August 2010, the Grodzisk Wielkopolski – Opalenica section was dismantled. At the beginning of 2016, work on the bicycle path in the place of the former line was completed. The Grodzisk Wielkopolski – Kościan route has been operated by the Grodzisk Railroad Association since 2005.

Written by Karol Placha Hetman