The new Dragon 2 locomotives are equipped with two drive systems: 3 kV for DC and 25 kV for AC, will be used by PKP CARGO not only on Polish lines. Thanks to their homologation for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the purchased locomotives will enable the company to increase its operating capacity on foreign markets, especially in the Czech Republic, which is the company's largest market after Poland.
"The purchase of Dragon 2 locomotives and the planned opening of the transshipment terminal in Zduńska Wola Karsznice are key elements of PKP CARGO's development strategy. The new rolling stock will enable us to compete more effectively in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and is a chance for expansion in the countries of the Tricity," says Dariusz Seliga, President of the Management Board of PKP CARGO.
The delivery of Dragons 2 also includes the software and licences needed to operate the locomotives. In addition, PKP Cargo will receive a set of brand new spare parts and sub-assemblies, which are part of the so-called anti-failure kit. The company's staff will also be trained and authorised to maintain and operate the locomotives.
The new locomotives will be painted in PKP CARGO's colours and one of the twelve will bear the Solidarity emblem and John Paul II's timeless message - "Solidarity is one and the same (...) Never one against the other".
"The Solidarity emblem is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable symbols in the world. It represents one of the greatest aspects of our history, a sign of Polish freedom and independence. For PKP CARGO - the national railway company - the values associated with the idea of Solidarity are very important, which is why we decided that one of our locomotives should bear it," explains Dariusz Seliga.
Eventually, the fleet of Dragon 2 locomotives operating under the PKP CARGO banner will grow to 34 units. The first three were purchased and taken over in 2018. A year later, the company signed a contract with Newag for the delivery of a further 31 locomotives. The first seven are versions of the Dragon with a diesel commuter module, which the company is already using. The second phase of the purchase is currently underway. Nine more Dragon 2 locomotives will be added in 2023 and the last three will be delivered by Newag in 2024.
Dragon 2s with the suburban module allow trains to run on non-electrified sections of bonded track without having to change locomotives or run on sidings. The modules thus guarantee an increase in the operational capacity of electric locomotives. Dragon 2 locomotives are mainly used for heavy haulage (over 3,000 tonnes total weight) with loads such as coal, ore or aggregates.
The Newagu Dragon 2 locomotive is entirely of Polish design and is also the first six-axle electric locomotive in Europe to be fully compliant with the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI 2014) and to be equipped with ETCS Level 2 (European Train Control System), which provides enhanced safety through in-cab signalling and driver control.
