PKP Intercity has received another five Griffin EU160 locomotives from Polish manufacturer Newag, bringing the total number of these vehicles in its fleet to 66. This marks another step in the company’s efforts to modernise its rolling stock and improve service reliability.
Nearly a year after announcing plans to speed up the acceptance of new locomotives, PKP Intercity is now systematically integrating more units into operation. In March alone, the company received five Griffin EU160 locomotives from Newag’s Nowy Sącz factory. The carrier has ordered a total of 96 locomotives of this series, with deliveries progressing steadily.
Griffin EU160 locomotives have been in service with PKP Intercity for five years and are a key component of its fleet renewal strategy. With a maximum speed of 160 km/h, they replace older models, including EP09 electric locomotives, which are less efficient and unable to reach such speeds. The improved reliability of the Griffin EU160s is expected to enhance punctuality across the network.
The new locomotives are being allocated to various PKP Intercity depots, including those in Warsaw and Gdynia. Now, two units have been assigned to Kraków, where they will initially operate on the Kraków–Kołobrzeg route via Wrocław and Poznań, leading the IC Malczewski service.
Rolling stock expansion plans for 2025
In addition to new locomotives, PKP Intercity plans to introduce 119 new railcars by the end of 2025. This includes 95 multifunctional COMBO railcars designed to improve accessibility for passengers with disabilities, families with children, and cyclists.
Beyond the EU160 locomotives, Newag is also fulfilling two additional contracts for PKP Intercity:
- 63 multi-system locomotives capable of reaching speeds of 200 km/h, with an option for 32 more.
- 35 dual-drive multiple units, expanding the company’s fleet with greater operational flexibility.
The total value of contracts signed with Newag is PLN 7.7 billion gross (EUR 1.8bn). PKP Intercity has invested over PLN 16.5 billion (EUR 4bn) in rolling stock orders with Polish manufacturers, securing a major boost for the country’s railway industry.
In 2024 alone, PKP Intercity signed contracts worth PLN 11.8 billion (EUR 2.7bn), including agreements with H. Cegielski – Fabryka Pojazdów Szynowych in Poznań for:
- 300 new wagons, with an option for 150 more.
- 50 modernised wagons.
Additionally, the PKP Intercity Remtrak plant is upgrading 150 wagons as part of the modernisation programme.
EU funding for fleet modernisation
The purchase of 46 Griffin EU160 locomotives is partially funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO), with PKP Intercity securing PLN 2.162 billion (EUR 500m) in non-refundable EU support. The total expenditure eligible for funding is PLN 2.297 billion (EUR 547m), with over 94% covered by EU grants.
The funding supports seven key projects, including the purchase of 56 modern locomotives and the modernisation of 248 wagons. Three of these projects have been completed, while the remaining four are in progress. To secure full EU funding, all projects must be completed by mid-2026.
PKP Intercity’s fleet expansion and modernisation efforts aim to enhance passenger comfort, service efficiency, and sustainability, reinforcing its position as Poland’s leading long-distance rail operator.
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