For the first time in its history PKP Intercity has applied for CEF 2 funding to equip more than 100 locomotives with ERTMS, requiring EUR 4.24 million EU financing for 2022 – 2026.
In the first stage, the application submitted by the Polish rail operator under the Connecting Europe Facility 2021-2027 (CEF 2) received a positive decision from the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy. Now the proposal is awaiting an evaluation by the European Commission. The decision of the Commission regarding the selection of projects for co-financing is planned for June this year.
“The consistent introduction of ERTMS is taking railways into the digital world. The system enables faster and safe journeys, as well as the movement of trains on railway networks of individual countries, without the need to install and know national systems. Using CEF 2 funding we want to equip the locomotives with ERTMS devices, which in the next few years will strengthen our fleet,” Tomasz Gontarz, Member of the Management Board of PKP Intercity said.
Funds from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) are one of the planned sources of financing for the extended investment strategy of PKP Intercity with a perspective until 2030.
As part of the programme, the company will allocate PLN 27 billion (EUR 5.9 billion) to modernise its rolling stock and and to create environmentally friendly parking stations. Other sources of financing will come from own funds, settlement of funds obtained under the Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020 (OPI & E), a loan granted by the European Investment Bank, funds from the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment (FEnIKS), funds from the National Reconstruction Plan, bond issues and investment loans.
In 2030, the entire PKP Intercity fleet will be new or modernised, which will ensure a high level of travel safety and comfort. The carrier strives to offer passengers a high and repeatable standard of travel, and intensively develops the offer for passengers, so that rail becomes a means of transport of first choice. The development of railways as the most ecological means of collective transport is in line with the assumptions of the European Green Deal. PKP Intercity has the ambition to become the first Polish passenger carrier whose operations will be neutral for the climate.
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