Poland’s state-owned railway company, PKP Intercity, has initiated a tender for a fleet of high-speed trains capable of reaching 320 kilometers per hour, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s rail infrastructure advancement. The multi-billion złoty procurement aims to modernize Poland’s passenger rail service and connect major cities with significantly reduced travel times. This ambitious project, linked to the broader Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) infrastructure plan, will unfold over several years with a contract award expected in August 2027.
PKP Intercity, Poland’s state-owned railway company, has formally launched a tender for high-speed trains capable of operating at speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour (199 mph). This marks the first time Poland has sought to procure passenger trains in this speed class, representing a significant step in the country’s long-term plans for a new high-speed rail network.
The tender encompasses 20 electric multiple unit (EMU) trains, with an option for an additional 35 trainsets. Beyond the supply of the rolling stock, the contract will also include long-term maintenance, as well as the design and construction of a dedicated technical depot for the high-speed trains.
A Lengthy and Complex Procurement Process
The procurement process will utilize a competitive dialogue model, a method employed for technically complex projects where the contracting authority aims to develop solutions in collaboration with the market. PKP Intercity attributes the unusually extended timeline to both the technical challenges of the project and the substantial interest from manufacturers.
Interested parties must submit applications to participate by April 2026. This will be followed by a dialogue phase with selected bidders, which is expected to be longer than previous vehicle procurements. Final bids are due in May 2027, with contract award anticipated in August of the same year.
A key requirement for bidders is documented experience in delivering trains with a maximum speed of at least 250 kilometers per hour. Prior to the announcement, PKP Intercity engaged in discussions with nine vehicle manufacturers, including Polish-based companies. Several of these manufacturers have indicated their intention to participate through consortia, partnering with firms possessing the necessary high-speed expertise.
Trains Designed for International Routes
Each trainset is planned to be approximately 200 meters (656 feet) long and will feature two comfort classes, a bistro or restaurant car, dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, and designated areas for families with children. During the dialogue phase, manufacturers will also have the opportunity to propose additional technical and functional solutions.
The initial 20 trains are primarily intended for service on the planned high-speed line within the so-called Y-network, designed for a minimum speed of 320 kilometers per hour. The first phase of operations is currently planned to include:
– Warsaw–Łódź–Wrocław with hourly service
– Warsaw–Łódź–Poznań–Szczecin every two hours
– Warsaw–Łódź–Poznań–Berlin every two hours
Exercising the option for an additional 35 trains would allow for increased service frequency, potentially enabling hourly service to Szczecin and Berlin, and half-hourly service between Warsaw, Łódź, and Wrocław. This expansion of service underscores the potential for increased connectivity within the region.
Part of a Broader Infrastructure Investment
PKP Intercity is also evaluating the possibility of extending certain high-speed services to additional international destinations, including Prague and Leipzig, with service running every two or four hours. In the long term, the use of these high-speed trains on the planned new railway line number 5, connecting Warsaw with Płock, Grudziądz, Gdańsk, and Gdynia, is also under consideration.
This investment is occurring in parallel with the development of Poland’s new airport and railway system centered around the Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK). However, critics point to the substantial investment costs and long lead times associated with high-speed rail, with the benefits heavily reliant on the timely completion of the entire infrastructure project. Experiences from other European countries demonstrate that cost overruns and delays are common in projects of this scale.
Source: PKP, Rail Journal
