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Poland Sounds the Alarm: Are Czech Railcars Too Dangerous for the Tracks?

Poland Sounds the Alarm: Are Czech Railcars Too Dangerous for the Tracks?
photo: NYMWAG CS/NYMWAG's transshipment hall in Nymburk, Czech Republic
22 / 01 / 2025

Poland’s rail authority is considering banning Czech-built wagons due to safety issues. Faulty welding could derail their future.

The Polish Rail Authority (UTK) is responding to safety issues with SGGRSS80 and SGGMRSS90 railcars manufactured by Czech company NYMWAG CS. Following a safety alert issued by the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), which RAILTARGET previously reported about, Poland is now considering excluding these wagons from service.

Poland Joins Europe in Addressing Railcar Safety Issues

Poland is aligning with other European railway authorities investigating safety concerns surrounding SGGRSS80 and SGGMRSS90 wagons. The ERA issuedSafety Alert IT Tool (SAIT) notification to all European National Safety Authorities (NSA), including Poland's UTK.

According to a statement from UTK obtained by RAILTARGET, the Polish rail authority is currently assessing the condition of these vehicles and evaluating the repair plans for each wagon. Responsibility for vehicle maintenance lies with EUROWAGON Technika sp. z o.o., which operates the wagons produced by NYMWAG CS.

Welding Issues Could Lead to a Service Ban

It was EUROWAGON that initially raised concerns through the SAIT system, triggering the investigation. The primary issue identified relates to welding quality discrepancies in the SGGRSS80 and SGGMRSS90 wagons.

In an official statement, UTK warned that if these discrepancies are confirmed, the director of the Polish Rail Authority may initiate proceedings to exclude these wagons from operating on Poland’s railway network.

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