(ANSA) - BRUXELLES - The European Commission has backed 97.5 million euros from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to modernise the rail connection between the cities of Pozna and Pila, in the Wielkopolska region, in the west-central part of Poland. Trains running on the renovated section will be able to run at speeds of 120 km/h, while the current speed is 80 km/h. The journey between the two cities will be reduced by almost 50 minutes. "Better rail connections are essential to the country's economic activity", Regional Policy Commissioner Corina Cretu said. 250,000 inhabitants of the northern part of the region will be able to join Pozna, the regional capital, more quickly when the project is completed in 2020. "By reducing travel times and promoting clean mobility, this project will also directly improve the quality of life of the Poles," Cretu added.(ANSA).