The Centre for EU Transport Projects (CUPT) and Koleje Śląskie, the regional rail operator in Poland’s Silesian Voivodeship, have signed a funding agreement to finance 10 four-car Impuls 2 EMUs manufactured by Newag.
The financing, worth PLN 126.5 million (EUR 30 million), is provided through the National Reconstruction Plan (KPO). The first nine trains are already in service on the Silesian regional network, with further units to be delivered successively until September 2026.
“Investments in modernisation and the purchase of new rolling stock improve passenger comfort and enhance the competitiveness of rail transport. The growing number of rail passengers confirms that such investments are essential, as they allow us to adapt services to the needs of residents,” said Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure.
Each four-car Impuls 2 EMU can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h and carry up to 400 passengers, including 192 seated. The units are equipped with air conditioning, a modern passenger information system, CCTV monitoring, and facilities for people with disabilities. They provide two wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and an induction loop for passengers with hearing impairments. The Impuls 2 EMUs deployed on Silesian routes also include family zones with interactive games for children and spaces for up to 10 bicycles.
“Comfortable trains offering faster journeys to work or school are an effective way to encourage residents to choose public transport,” said Sylwia Cieślak-Wilk, Deputy Director of the Centre for EU Transport Projects.
Passengers will benefit from the new trains on routes such as Częstochowa – Katowice – Gliwice, Katowice – Rybnik – Racibórz, and Katowice – Tarnowskie Góry – Lubliniec, among others.
With this financial support, the Silesian Voivodeship will operate a total fleet of over 30 Impuls 2 EMUs, with a combined value — including maintenance — of approximately PLN 1.5 billion (EUR 354 million), a significant share of which is co-financed by EU funds.
“More modern trains mean greater flexibility in planning the route network and the gradual replacement of the oldest units. It is also a tangible response to residents’ expectations for comfortable, accessible, and environmentally friendly rail transport,” said Krzysztof Klimosz, CEO of Koleje Śląskie.
Across Poland, the KPO has co-financed the purchase of 413 rail vehicles, including multiple units, locomotives, and wagons, representing a total investment of over PLN 5 billion (EUR 1.18 billion).
“This is a major undertaking and part of an even broader initiative. Under the current financial framework, we are investing an unprecedented PLN 60 billion (EUR 14.2 billion) in railway development through the KPO and other EU funds,” stated Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, Minister of Funds and Regional Policy.
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