The railway is part of European TEN-T route E59 from Scandinavia to Vienna, Budapest and Prague.

In 1853 a decision was made to build a railway line connecting Wrocław with Poznań.

A prototype steam locomotive entered Leszno station from Rawicz on 27 September 1856, and the first regular train service started on 27 October 1856.

The ceremonial opening of the line, involving city authorities and residents, took place 29 October 1856.

As a result of the works, the line speed will be increased up to 160 km/h and thereby travel time on the section between Wrocław and Poznań will be 75 minutes (for the fastest trains).