Pesa Unveils Gama 3.0 Locomotive at TRAKO 2025: A Universal Solution for Passenger and Freight

Pesa’s big reveal at TRAKO 2025 was the Gama 3.0, a universal, eco-friendly locomotive for Europe’s rail future.

At TRAKO 2025 in Gdańsk, Polish rolling stock manufacturer Pesa presented its latest innovation: the Gama 3.0 locomotive, designed as a universal solution for both passenger and freight transport.

Overall, Pesa showcased two vehicles at this year’s exhibition: the Elf 3.0 EMU for Łódź Agglomeration Railway (ŁKA) and the Gama 3.0 locomotive, which received a special livery pointing out the different propulsion technologies it can accommodate. The manufacturer has designed versions ranging from purely electric units powered by overhead lines, to electric-battery hybrids, and even a model equipped with a pantograph and a last-mile module powered by vegetable oil, a sustainable alternative to diesel fuel.

The Gama 3.0 builds on the success of Pesa’s first-generation locomotives, with the company skipping a second edition in favour of a more advanced third series. Unlike the original models, which were also sold as diesel-only locomotives, the Gama 3.0 will not be offered in this form. Instead, the focus shifts to dual-mode solutions, particularly diesel-electric variants currently being produced for PKP Intercity. According to Pesa, demand for these flexible configurations is expected to be strongest in intermodal transport.

Passenger and Freight Potential

While earlier Gammas have been primarily used in freight operations, Pesa is keen to broaden the scope of its new locomotive. Piotr Rościszewski, Head of Locomotive Sales at Pesa, explained the company’s strategy: "We think of it as a universal locomotive, an option for both freight and passenger transport. It will have a heating coupling and the ability to connect passenger coaches, so if tenders for passenger locomotives appear, we will compete. It is true that most Gammas are used in freight, mainly intermodal, but we also supply many to leasing pools. That means we do not always know the final use of these locomotives, so we design them as universal vehicles."

Technical Capabilities and Market Entry

The new locomotive has been engineered as a multi-system vehicle, capable of operating under different voltage systems across European rail networks. It can also reach speeds of up to 230 km/h, making it suitable for high-performance passenger services. The first confirmed customers include PKP Intercity and the leasing pool Rail Capital Partners (RCP), which has recently ordered five Gama 3.0 locomotives scheduled for delivery in 2026.

With its emphasis on sustainability, interoperability, and high performance, the Gama 3.0 proves Pesa’s ambition to position itself not only as a domestic supplier but as a European player. The locomotive also aligns with EU goals for decarbonisation and cross-border rail integration.