Alstom has delivered three third-generation Traxx Universal multi-system locomotives to Captrain Polska, strengthening the operator’s capacity to run freight services along international rail corridors across Europe. The locomotives are authorised to operate in six countries: Poland, Germany, Austria, France, Belgium and Luxembourg.
The delivery marks an important step in Captrain Polska’s strategy to modernise and expand its own rolling stock fleet. The new locomotives will enable the company to operate more efficiently on international routes and reduce technical barriers associated with cross-border rail freight, including the need to change locomotives at national borders.
During the warranty period, Alstom will also provide maintenance and preventive servicing for the three locomotives. The contract therefore not only expands the operator’s fleet, but also supports higher rolling stock availability and the optimisation of operating costs over the long term.
An important element of the project is the involvement of Alstom’s Wrocław plant. The locomotive bodies were manufactured in Poland, demonstrating the site’s industrial capabilities and the expertise of its local teams in producing rolling stock for international rail operations.
From September, the Traxx MS3 locomotives will operate in Poland, Germany, France and Belgium as part of projects coordinated by Captrain Polska.
Vehicles designed for European corridors
For rail freight operators, the ability to cross multiple borders with the same locomotive is becoming increasingly important. Differences between national electrification and signalling systems have historically represented a major barrier for operators seeking to expand international services.
The Traxx Universal locomotives are designed specifically for such operations. Their modular platform allows them to be used for both freight and passenger services, in AC, DC or multi-system configurations. The locomotives can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h and are designed to haul heavier trains than other locomotives in the same category.
The three locomotives supplied to Captrain Polska are equipped with Alstom’s Onvia signalling system, an onboard ETCS solution that supports cross-border operations and compliance with European signalling standards.
The authorisation of the locomotives in six European countries provides the operator with an asset that can improve operational efficiency and enable it to respond more quickly to customer requirements.
The expansion of the Captrain Polska fleet comes at a time when European rail freight is increasingly focused on interoperability, digitalisation and greater efficiency along international corridors. For operators, multi-system locomotives are one of the solutions that can make cross-border freight services more seamless, reducing technical stops and the time lost when changing locomotives between national networks.
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