Alstom Polska submitted the most favourable bid for the new PKP Intercity’s double-decker train fleet which is expected to be manufactured its factory in Chorzów, near Katowice.
The contract covers the delivery of 42 double-decker EMUs and an option for additional 30 vehicles, as well as a 30-year maintenance period for the ordered trains.
The total value of Alstom’s offer is worth PLN 6.9 billion (EUR 1.6 billion), of which PLN 4.1 billion (EUR 963 million) for the delivery of the new EMUs and nearly PLN 2.8 (EUR 657.6 million) for the provision of their maintenance.
Stadler Polska was the second manufacturer who submitted its bid under which the new trains would be manufactured at its facility in Siedlce. PLN 7.3 billion (EUR 1.7 billion) was the value of Stadler’s bid, of which PLN 4 billion (EUR 939.5 million) for the vehicles and PLN 3.3 billion (EUR 775 million) for maintenance services.
Thus, the chosen offer is nearly PLN 400 million (EUR 94 million) cheaper overall with Alstom expected to complete the necessary formalities to sign the contract in the coming weeks.
Other criteria were also evaluated, including energy efficiency and delivery times.
Tenders for 38 push-pull double-decker trainsets were announced in 2021 and 2023, but both were cancelled. In the most recent procedure, the only bid submitted exceeded the budget by over PLN 2 billion (EUR 470 million), reaching PLN 6.5 billion (EUR 1.5 billion).
PKP Intercity hopes that the first passengers will travel on the new trains in around three and a half years.
The new PKP Intercity’s double-decker train fleet will be able to run up to 200 km/h and will be introduced on domestic routes in economy category. These vehicles are intended to operate on popular routes, including Warsaw–Gdańsk, Łódź, Olsztyn, Wrocław, Kraków, Białystok, and Terespol.
The new EMUs will be equipped with ETCS L1 and L2, onboard diagnostic systems, and GPS as well as internal and external camera systems. The trains are expected to be approved for operation on the Czech railway network.
The trains will be designed for long-distance services and will offer a comfortable journey for over 500 passengers. Features include reclining seats with individual tables, armrests, footrests, and adjustable lighting. Passengers will also benefit from Wi-Fi, power sockets, and USB ports. Comfort will be further enhanced by air conditioning and an onboard passenger information system displayed on digital screens. The trains will feature both 1st and 2nd class sections, a quiet zone, a children’s area, vending machines with a designated eating space, bicycle and large luggage storage with secure fastening options. They will also be fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
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