PKP Intercity has been receiving EU funding in the amount of PLN 5.3 billion (EUR 1.25 billion) in the last two decades, for rolling stock investment projects which included the modernisation of the existing fleet and purchasing new vehicles. PLN 11 billion (EUR 2.6 billion) is the total value of the projects PKP Intercity implemented with the support of the EUR funds. The majority of this funding was received by PKP Intercity under the Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment (POIiŚ), during the 2007–2013 and 2014–2020 multiannual financial frameworks. Over the past year, the company has also taken advantage of funding opportunities available through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO).
Since 2007, EU funding has been granted to 14 of the PKP Intercity’ projects, 12 of which have already been completed. During 2007-2020, PKP Intercity has purchased 60 Pendolino, Flirt and Dart trainsets, 45 carriages, 40 Griffin EU160 series locomotives, 10 Pesa Gama locomotives and has modernised 553 carriages and 33 SU42 locomotives.
PKP Intercity has been investing in modern locomotives, multiple units and carriages, as well as building environmentally friendly maintenance infrastructure. As a result, the operator’s fleet is already being supplemented, and will continue to be supplemented, by new vehicles with significantly lower CO₂ emissions.
Under the Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment (POIiŚ), which supports, among other goals, the development of a low-emission economy and the adaptation of transport to climate change, PKP Intercity has secured over PLN 3.1 billion (EUR 734.3 million) in funding. As part of the first POIiŚ programming period for 2007–2013, in addition to rolling stock investment, the company carried out a research and development project in cooperation with the Office of Rail Transport (UTK), which led to the purchase of a simulator to support driver training. Furthermore, the operator’s maintenance facilities were expanded to include a Technical Maintenance Depot dedicated to servicing ED250 EMUs – the Pendolino trains manufactured by Alstom.
Under the 2014 -2020 POIiŚ programming period, PKP Intercity received funding for the implementation of “Reliable Rail Connections” and “Accelerating with Comfort” projects. In addition to modernisation of the rolling stock, which included, among others, the Combo carriages that improve accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility or parents travelling with young children, the company also invested in its technical facilities. Under the PKP Intercity’s facilities’ modernisation programme, the operator decided to modernise eight service depots in Gdynia, Kołobrzeg, Kraków, Olsztyn, Przemyśl, Szczecin Warsaw and Wrocław. So far, the depots in Olsztyn, Kraków, Kołobrzeg, Szczecin, and Wrocław have been redeveloped, and new train washing facilities have been put into operation in Kraków, Wrocław, and Warsaw.
Until June 2026, PKP Intercity is carrying out a project financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO). As part of the project submitted to the KPO, the company is allocating PLN 2.8 billion (EUR 663 million), of which PLN 2.16 billion (EUR 511.7 million) from funding aimed at modernising rolling stock serving interregional routes, an effort that will enhance the attractiveness of the operator’s services.
As of April, the Polish long-distance operator had already taken delivery of 148 carriages and 29 Griffin EU160 series electric locomotives and completed 3 out of the 7 planned rolling stock investment projects. The projects supported by KPO are being implemented in cooperation with Polish companies. Contracts with partners have already been signed, and 4 of the projects are currently in progress.
The carriage modernisation work is being carried out at the H. Cegielski- Poznań factory, the Pesa plants in Bydgoszcz and Mińsk Mazowiecki, and at PKP Intercity Remtrak. The modern electric locomotives are being supplied by Newag, based in Nowy Sącz. In this way, the funding not only helps improve comfort for PKP Intercity passengers but also supports the growth of the Polish rail manufacturing industry.
Through the EU funds, PKP Intercity’s rolling stock investment programme has significantly improved the quality and comfort of travel for passengers. A greater number of modern trains also means a higher level of passenger safety.
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