The European Investment Bank (EIB) is proposing to provide financing of PLN 2.95 billion (EUR 690 million) to support Poland’s EMU procurement project. The total eligible investment cost for the project is PLN 5.9 billion (EUR 1.38 billion). This funding initiative aligns with broader European objectives of enhancing sustainable transport infrastructure, reducing environmental impact, and improving passenger mobility across member states.
The EIB financing will be directed to PKP Intercity, Poland’s state-owned long-distance passenger rail operator, for the acquisition of 42 new double-decker electric multiple units and the comprehensive modernisation of 133 passenger coaches. These investments will serve to replace outdated rolling stock, extend the fleet’s lifespan, and significantly improve the quality and reliability of rail services. The new EMUs will primarily operate under Public Service Contracts, providing enhanced connectivity across the country and ensuring a higher standard of passenger service.
In October 2024, PKP Intercity officially launched the procurement procedure for the 42 double-decker EMUs, including an option to order an additional 30 trainsets. The selected supplier, once contracted, will be responsible for delivering the fleet over a period of more than six years from the date of signing. This long-term delivery timeline reflects the scale and complexity of the project, which is one of the largest EMU procurements ever undertaken in Poland.
The estimated value of the base contract is PLN 10 billion (EUR 2.3 billion), while the total contract value, including optional units, could reach as high as PLN 17 billion (nearly EUR 4 billion). This procurement represents a landmark investment in the country’s rail sector and is among the most ambitious rolling stock projects in Central and Eastern Europe in recent years.
The new EMUs will be designed for operation at speeds of up to 200 km/h and will feature state-of-the-art technology, including the European Train Control System (ETCS) levels 1 and 2. They will also include advanced onboard diagnostics to support condition-based maintenance, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and safety. Accessibility will be a key feature, with interiors designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility. Each trainset will have the capacity to carry approximately 500 passengers, making them suitable for long-distance travel and high-demand routes.
This investment is a core component of PKP Intercity’s wider rolling stock renewal and modernisation strategy, which will run through to 2030 and is backed by a total funding commitment of PLN 27 billion (EUR 6.3 billion). The aim of this programme is to transform PKP Intercity into a modern, competitive, and environmentally responsible operator, offering high-quality services that meet evolving passenger expectations.
By the end of this decade, the company plans to introduce an entirely new generation of rolling stock. This includes 35 new electric multiple units, 35 hybrid multiple units, and 38 seven-car push-pull double-decker trainsets. In addition, the operator will acquire 926 new passenger coaches, 162 single-system electric locomotives, 45 multi-system electric locomotives, 16 hybrid locomotives, and 28 shunting locomotives.
Alongside these acquisitions, PKP Intercity will carry out the modernisation of 54 electric multiple units, 87 electric locomotives, and 1,500 passenger coaches, ensuring that existing assets continue to provide reliable service. Furthermore, 13 SM42 diesel locomotives will be converted into two-unit vehicles, improving operational flexibility and extending the operational life of these workhorses.
As a result of this extensive modernisation effort, PKP Intercity’s total locomotive fleet will grow to 429 units, an 11% increase compared to current levels. The number of electric multiple units will increase to 109, representing a 47% rise, while hybrid multiple units will reach a total of 35, an 18% growth. Notably, the introduction of 38 new seven-car push-pull trainsets will bring a new fleet category into service, enhancing capacity and efficiency across high-demand intercity routes.
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