The line was constructed and operated under the original name Elektryczne Koleje Dojazdowe (Electric Commuter Rail) by a privately owned electrical power industry consortium "Siła i Światło" (Power and Light) established with the participation of British capital shortly after Poland regained independence after World War I in 1918. The consortium sought to build an electric railway in order to accelerate economic development and increase the demand for its services. To achieve this goal it created in 1922 the company "Elektryczne Koleje Dojazdowe S.A.", owned in 40% by Siła i Światło, 25% by one of the financing banks and the remaining 35% held by small shareholders.