PKP Intercity has announced the largest tender in its history for the purchase of new rolling stock. Once the order is realised, the carrier’s rolling stock will increase by as many as 300 new carriages, with the right of option allowing the purchase of additional 150 vehicles.

Delivery of the wagons is scheduled to begin in 2025. The new vehicles, which are able to accelerate to 200 km/h, will be used in the medium category – one of the three new categories of connections that PKP Intercity is planning to launch in the 2030 timeframe.

The medium category trains will connect major agglomerations, make stops in smaller centres and also run abroad. The carriages will be homologated for use on the railway networks of the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Lithuania.

As Infrastructure Minister Andrzej Adamczyk said that Poland has become a leader in transport investments in Europe. “We are fully committed to the development of the Polish, ecological railway, and the purchase by our national carrier of several hundred modern, safe and comfortable carriages will be a very big step towards railways as a leading means of transport”, Adamczyk added.

PKP Intercity has already invested PLN 7 billion in modern rolling stock. By 2030, the outlays will reach PLN 27 billion.

The new carriages will be equipped with amenities that are already becoming standard on PKP Intercity trains. Passengers will benefit from WiFi, a system of individual lighting, electric and USB sockets. A comfortable journey will also be ensured by air-conditioning and a passenger information system displayed on light boards.

To ensure passenger safety, a fire detection system covering the entire carriage and video surveillance will be installed. The new design also includes solutions for the interior configuration. The carriages will gain additional space for luggage under the seats, which will be more comfortable.

Adrian Andrzejewski