PKP Intercity awards largest-ever coach contract
- Pinnacle Team
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
Poland's national railway operator, PKP Intercity, has reached a significant milestone. The company recently signed the largest contract in its history with H. Cegielski, choosing to modernize Poland's railway future with 300 new-design locomotive-hauled coaches. The contract is valued at 4.2 billion Polish złoty (approximately $1.1 billion USD) and includes an additional option to purchase 150 more coaches for 2.1 billion Polish złoty. This decision is expected to not only revitalize the domestic rail industry but also serve as a signal to strengthen its international competitiveness.
The agreement was finalized after a competitive bidding process that began in December 2022. H. Cegielski was selected after intense competition with Newag, another Polish rolling stock manufacturer, thanks to its bid being the lowest on all evaluation criteria. The coaches will feature a modern design, capable of operating at speeds up to 200 km/h, and will offer both open-plan and compartment-style passenger accommodations.
Prioritizing passenger comfort, these coaches will be equipped with Wi-Fi, individual seat lighting, power, and USB sockets, as well as air conditioning, fire detection systems, and CCTV. A family section with a safe play area for children is also included, highlighting a commitment to ensuring a comfortable and safe journey for passengers of all ages.
The coaches will be deployed on PKP Intercity's new mid-range service category, one of several new services to be introduced by 2030. They will connect Poland's major cities while also serving smaller destinations and cross-border routes. The coaches are planned to receive operating licenses in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, and Slovakia, and are expected to operate on routes such as Warsaw-Poznań-Berlin and Gdynia-Poznań-Wrocław-Prague.
This project will elevate the quality of service that Polish railways can offer domestic and international passengers. Jarosław Oniszczuk, a member of the PKP Intercity management board, stated, "This order allows for the construction of at least 300 coaches with a new design by 2028," which "will set a new standard for travel for passengers and encourage more people to use long-distance rail services." This contract is undoubtedly a crucial step in shaping the future of Polish railways and will play an important role in strengthening Poland's position within the international rail network.
March 4, 2024
