Koleje Małopolskie, the regional rail operator in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, and Newag signed the framework agreement for the supply of 25 EMUs in multi-unit version totalling PLN 1.3 billion (EUR 303.75 million). The first vehicle deliveries are planned for 2027.
The first implementation agreement provides for the purchase of 6 trains financed from the European Funds for Małopolska 2021-2027 programme. The total value of this project amounts to over PLN 345 million (EUR 80.6 million).
Based on the next implementation agreement, the purchase of 14 more electric multiple units is planned, and will be financed from the EU funds through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO) or from the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment 2021-2027 (FEnIKS) programme. The planned total value of the project will amount to almost PLN 770 million (EUR 1880 million).
The province plans to finance the remaining 5 trains from the European Funds for Małopolska 2021-2027 (FEM) programme using funds released under the programme. The planned total value of the project will amount to over PLN 277 million (EUR 53 million).
The contract was signed by the Marshal of the Małopolska Province, Łukasz Smółka, the Vice-Marshal of the Małopolska Province, Ryszard Pagacz, the President of the Management Board of Koleje Małopolskie, Radosław Włoszek, andthe President of the Management Board of Newag, Zbigniew Konieczek.
The new electric multiple units will have a capacity for 550 passengers, of which 236 are seated. The entire fleet of 25 EMUs will accommodate 5,900 seated passengers and 13,750 passengers (standing and seated).
“What we have been saying in recent years when building the railway facilities or designing new railway lines, that we are focusing on modern rolling stock, is being implemented. We can see that since 2014 the number of passengers has increased significantly. In 2014, about 7 million passengers were transported by regional railways, and in 2024 this number will be almost 22 million passengers. This means that we have to buy modern and well-equipped trains,” the Marshal of Małopolska said.
The new EMUs in multi-unit version will be adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, in particular those using wheelchairs, blind or visually impaired, deaf or hearing impaired, as well as for pregnant women, children, the elderly and passengers with heavy luggage. This will be possible thanks to the equipment of the vehicles, among others, with a ramp for boarding and alighting disabled people, a toilet adapted for disabled people with a baby changing table, designated places for privileged people and a designated area for luggage and transporting bicycles.
The trains will be intended to service routes in Małopolska and neighboring provinces.
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