PKP Intercity, Poland's national long-distance railway operator, has finalized a tender for the acquisition of 300 new passenger cars, with an option to purchase an additional 150 wagons. This procurement is noted as the largest in the company's history by volume of vehicles. The contract, valued at approximately 1 billion euros (with the potential to extend to 1.5 billion euros if the option for the extra wagons is exercised), has been awarded to H. Cegielski - Fabryka Pojazdów Szynowych, a Poznań-based rolling stock manufacturer.
The tender, announced at the end of 2022, aimed to modernize and expand PKP Intercity's fleet to meet growing passenger demands and improve service quality. The selection process saw submissions from two manufacturers, with H. Cegielski - Fabryka Pojazdów Szynowych ultimately chosen for offering the most competitive pricing across all categories of the tender.
The new carriages will cater to various passenger needs, incorporating different types of wagons such as first-class compartment carriages, second-class compartment and compartmentless carriages, carriages equipped for passengers with disabilities, bicycle transport facilities, dining cars, and day-night carriages designed for comfort on overnight journeys. These wagons are expected to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h.
A significant feature of this tender is the introduction of new design standards for the rolling stock, focusing on both aesthetics and functionality. The design package includes innovative solutions for interior layouts, offering enhanced passenger comfort, safety, and amenities such as Wi-Fi, individual lighting, electrical outlets, USB ports, air conditioning, passenger information systems, fire detection, and video surveillance.
Particularly notable are the additional features designed for passenger convenience, including increased luggage space, special areas for parents traveling with children, and upgraded first-class seating with inductive charging facilities. The dining cars will also undergo a transformation to offer a more intimate and comfortable environment.
These wagons are intended to serve medium-category trains, a new class of service by PKP Intercity planned to be introduced by 2030, connecting major and smaller centers within Poland and extending to international routes. The wagons will be certified for operation in several European countries, including the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and Lithuania on selected routes.
