photo: PKP Intercity / Public domain/PKP Intercity and Remtrak sign the contract
PKP Intercity has reached a new milestone in its efforts to improve Poland’s rail network. With a EUR 346 million contract for the modernization of 150 wagons, the company is set to bring a fresh wave of upgrades to its fleet.
PKP Intercity, Poland's leading long-distance rail operator, has signed an agreement with Remtrak for the modernization of 150 wagons. As part of the agreement, 133 first and second-class non-compartment cars will be modernized. According to the PKP Intercity press release, the upgrades will include new seats, improved interior designs, and an air conditioning system to maintain the optimum temperature throughout the journey. Additionally, the windows, bogies, electrical devices, and entrance doors will be replaced with modern, automatic doors.
Passengers will also be able to enjoy wireless internet, charging sockets for laptops and phones, and a new system for station announcements. Safety improvements will include fire protection systems and video surveillance, making travel safer and more convenient, as RailMarket reports. After the modernization, the wagons will be capable of traveling at speeds up to 160 km/h. The contract also includes maintenance services for these cars, with inspections and repairs scheduled until the next modernization.
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Supporting Domestic Industry and Employment
The modernization project is not just about improving the fleet; it’s also a significant boost for Polish industry. The work will take place at Remtrak’s Opoczno facility, with additional support from production plants in Libiszów, Opole, and Warsaw. Tomasz Zelwowiec, President of PKP Intercity Remtrak, said, "This is a huge challenge for our engineers and production staff, but we are confident in our ability to deliver. We look forward to more contracts like this and are excited to continue our collaboration with PKP Intercity."
PKP Intercity’s Ongoing Modernization Efforts
This agreement is part of PKP Intercity’s broader strategy to upgrade and modernize its fleet. So far, the company has contracted over 2,500 wagons for modernization across various domestic manufacturers, including Pesa Bydgoszcz, Pesa Mińsk Mazowiecki, and the Poznań-based H. Cegielski Factory, as previously reported by RAILTARGET. These contracts are collectively valued at more than EUR 3.67 billion. PKP Intercity has been supported by EU funding of over approx. EUR 461.8 million for locomotives and wagons, according to RailTech.
Long-Term Maintenance and Planning
One of the standout features of the latest contract is its long-term maintenance aspect. According to Railway PRO, this is the first such contract in PKP Intercity’s history to cover maintenance at the P3 and P4 levels for the next 23 years. Adam Wawrzyniak, Member of the Management Board of PKP Intercity, said, "This contract represents a new approach to wagon maintenance, ensuring stability in rolling stock availability and improving the planning of production processes."
With these upgrades, PKP Intercity aims to provide high-quality service that meets the needs of passengers, with more comfortable, faster, and safer trains. As Railcolor reports, the modernization of 150 wagons will enhance the passenger experience and contribute to the expansion of the carrier’s transport offer.
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PKP Intercity's Strategic Investment
In a recent update RAILTARGET informed that PKP Intercity has made another significant move in its modernization efforts by signing an agreement with the Centre for EU Transport Projects (CUPT). This deal allows the company to access funds from Poland's PLN 2 billion (approximately EUR 497 million) National Renewal Plan. The funding will be used to acquire 56 emission-free locomotives and modernize 248 passenger carriages, which will greatly improve the comfort and service quality for passengers. Importantly, the entire investment will be sourced from Polish railway manufacturers, including PESA, NEWAG, and H.Ciegielski.
Source: PKP Intercity; RAILTARGET; RailTech; RAIL MARKET