After the restoration of independence in 1918, an efficient railway network was essential for the development of the economy. It was urgent to restore the permeability of the routes destroyed during the war. Many measures were taken to this end. The awareness of the state and railway authorities of the need to further improve transport conditions was evidenced not only by the investments made, but also by the plans made at the time for further investments, the execution of which was prevented by the outbreak of the Second World War.

The research scope of the POLONIK Institute includes not only "high art", but also utilitarian and technical architecture. This is an issue that is no less interesting and important for research into Polish cultural heritage in its broadest sense, as it aims to document Polish technical thought of the 20th century.

The long-term project "History of railways in the eastern areas of the Second Polish Republic" is conducted by a team of researchers led by Zbigniew Tucholski, Ph. The aim is to synthesise knowledge of railway communication, which will include not only architectural structures; stations, signal boxes or water towers, but also sparse elements of technical infrastructure.

The main executors are: Prof. Michał Pszczółkowski, Prof. Zbigniew Tucholski - project manager, and Jacek Wardęcki.