On October 16, 2024, PKP Intercity launched a competitive dialogue procedure for its first procurement of double-decker EMUs which will be used for domestic connections.
The Polish long-distance rail operator will acquire 42 units with the possibility to order additional 30 such trains. The trains ordered should be delivered no later than within 77 months (six and a half years) from the date of conclusion of the contract.
The basic option of the contract is estimated at PLN 10 billion (EUR 2.3 billion) of which 55% is the value of the amount allocated for the purchase of rolling stock. If the company will exercise the option, the value of the contract will reach PLN 17 billion (almost EUR 4 billion).
Part of the procedure, the contract for the firm order also includes the provision of maintenance services for a period of 30 years.
During the procedure, PKP Intercity will ask manufacturers to build trains able to run at a minimum speed of 200 km/h in 3 kV (DC) and 25 kV (AC) power supply systems. The double-decker trains must be designed and adapted for long-distance journeys and provide a capacity for around 500 passengers.
Passengers will be able to use comfortable, extendable seats, with individual tables, armrests, footrests and lighting and will have WiFi, power sockets and USB. A comfortable journey will also be ensured by air conditioning and a passenger information system displayed on light boards. The specifications of the double-decker EMUs also include a fire detection system covering the entire vehicles and video monitoring to be installed on board. The vehicles will have a class 1 and class 2 section, a silence zone, a space for children, vending machines with a space for eating meals, a place for bicycles and large luggage with the possibility of securing them.
The trains must be equipped with ETCS L1 and L2, an on-board diagnostic system or GPS and should be compliant with the Loc&Pas TSI and adapted to transport people with reduced mobility – in accordance with the TSI PRM.
The new trains are intended to serve popular routes, including from Warsaw to Gdańsk, Łódź, Olsztyn, Wrocław, Kraków, Białystok and Terespol.
The procurement of double-decker EMUs is PKP Intercity’s first vehicles of this type and the largest order, taking into account the number of multiple units to acquire. The competitive dialogue procedure is a response to the dynamically growing interest in long-distance travel and an element of preparation for the liberalisation of the rail market, which is to take place after 2030. The operator will compete with other operators and intends to attract more passengers as they will provide modern and fast rolling stock that can accommodate a large number of passengers and at the same time be economically efficient and provide modern amenities.
This year, PKP Intercity signed contracts for four rolling stock projects. At the beginning of the year, the operator concluded a contract with Newag for the supply of 63 multi-system electric locomotives with an option to order another 32 and provide maintenance services for 5 years. This is the first large order for a single series of vehicles in the history of both the operator and the manufacturer. The value of the contract is almost PLN 2.3 billion (EUR 534.8 million).
Newag and PKP Intercity signed a contract for 35 dual-mode locomotives that will allow the restauration of some connections as well as the expansion of transport services on non-electrified lines. In accordance with the order, the contractor guaranteed the maintenance of the vehicles for 10 years of use, which will be provided with the participation of the carrier’s employees. PLN 3.3 billion (EUR 767.3 million) is the value of the contract.
In April, the operator signed two contracts for the modernisation and repair of 500 carriages. PKP Intercity Remtrak will be responsible for 450 coaches under a EUR 93.8 million contract and with H. Cegielski – Fabryka Pojazdów Szynowych, PKP Intercity signed a PLN 461 million (EUR 107.2 million) contract for modernisation of multi-functional Combo carriages. As part of periodic repair and modernisation, 50 type 112A coaches will be transformed into universal vehicles.
Recently, another contract awarded to H. Cegielski – Fabryka Pojazdów Szynowych covers the supply of 300 new carriages and includes an option for another 150 coaches. The value of the contract without the option right is nearly PLN 4.2 billion (EUR 976.5 million). The railcars were designed with a completely new standard and will be able to travel at a speed of 200 km/h. The new carriages are expected to enter commercial operation from 2026.
PKP Intercity also plans to launch a tender for the procurement of high-speed trains designed to run at speeds of up to 250 km/h.
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