TRAKO 2025 Recap: High-Speed Rail Debates, Battery Trains and New Rolling Stock

The TRAKO 2025 fair in Gdańsk, Poland, brought together top railway leaders, politicians, and manufacturers, showcasing high-speed rail debates, new locomotives, and next-generation battery trains.

Last week, Gdańsk became the centre of European rail as the 16th edition of the international TRAKO fair took place. The event was attended by representatives of leading companies and Polish politicians, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk. As one of the media partners, RAILTARGET was present on site to cover the highlights of one of Europe’s most significant railway gatherings.

Prime Minister Tusk Opens TRAKO 2025

Both regional and national politicians attended the official opening. Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk, welcomed around 700 guests: "We are now approaching two important anniversaries – this year marks 200 years since the opening of the first Stockton & Darlington railway, and next year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Polish State Railways," she said.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed his passion for trains, describing Polish rail as a model for the future of transport. He emphasised the need for greater investment in high-speed rail (HSR). Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak announced plans to build 1,000 km of new lines by 2035, alongside a EUR 4.7 billion project to rebuild Warszawa Wschodnia station.

European Rail Debate: Financing, HSR and Security

Following the opening, the first debate addressed the priorities of European rail in financing and competitiveness. Panelists included representatives of the Polish government and international organisations such as ERA, UNIFE, and CER. Alan Beroud, CEO of the PKP Group, stated that with HSR, "it will be possible to travel from Gdańsk to Warsaw in one hour, compared to today’s two and a half."

Environmental issues also played a key role. Speakers stressed that lower electricity costs and stronger support for freight transport are necessary for rail to compete with cars and trucks. Security and defence were also highlighted. CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola noted: "It also has a military dimension, because we share infrastructure. We must invest in this as it will save money in the long term.”

Stadler, Akiem, and Pesa Unveil New Vehicles

Swiss manufacturer Stadler presented its Flirt unit for Valle d’Aosta, which attracted attention with its modular design and unique red livery featuring a heart motif of local symbols. Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President for Marketing and Sales, joined regional representatives at the unveiling ceremony.

Leasing company Akiem showcased the Dragon-2 locomotive, built by Newag for heavy freight, with multi-system capability and "last mile" operation compatible with HVO fuels. Its special livery highlighted Polish landmarks with the "The power driving the future of Polish rail" slogan.

Polish producer Pesa introduced the Gama 3.0 locomotive alongside the Elf 3.0 EMU. The universal Gama 3.0 offers flexible propulsion – from purely electric units to hybrids with biofuel-compatible last-mile modules – with a maximum speed of 230 km/h. Customers include PKP Intercity and Rail Capital Partners, confirming Pesa’s ambitions in the European rail market.

Škoda’s RegioPanter in World Premiere

Outdoors, the spotlight fell on rolling stock. The Czech Republic was represented by the world premiere of Škoda Group’s new generation RegioPanter battery train. The two-car unit, with a range of up to 80 km on battery power, was presented in cooperation with České dráhy and the Moravian-Silesian Region. Its first deployment in regional transport is scheduled for early 2027.

The new RegioPanter combines catenary operation at 160 km/h with battery mode at 120 km/h. Four test units have already covered over half a million kilometres, nearly half of them on batteries alone, leading to a 20% increase in passenger numbers and significant reductions in emissions and fuel consumption.