Poland's High-Speed Rail Ambitions: Will Škoda Transportation Rise to the Challenge Against Talgo and PESA?

Poland is taking bold steps to build its high-speed rail future, with 100 trainsets on the table and partnerships forming. As Spanish manufacturer Talgo and Polish companies PESA and Newag advance, Škoda Transportation faces a race against time to stay in the game.

At the start of 2024, RAILTARGET reported on Poland’s plans to establish its own fleet of high-speed trains for its future rail network. These trains will be procured by CPK (Centralny Port Komunikacyjny), the state-owned company tasked with building the high-speed rail network and a new airport near Warsaw.

CPK aims to purchase 100 trainsets, which will be operated by a newly created rolling stock subsidiary. This subsidiary will lease the trains to operators under long-term contracts and concessions for specific routes. To ensure optimal solutions, CPK has conducted public consultations with operators and global manufacturers of high-speed trains. These consultations have produced a set of technical and functional requirements for the trains that will eventually be procured.

Poland Partners with Spain: PESA, Newag, and TALGO

Two Polish rail manufacturers, PESA and Newag, have moved ahead in the race to develop high-speed rail capabilities. PESA Bydgoszcz, a state-owned company, signed a memorandum of understanding with Spain’s Talgo, while private manufacturer Newag partnered with Korean firm Hyundai Rotem.

The collaboration between PESA and Talgo has gone a step further. In August 2024, Poland’s Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Piotr Malepszak, confirmed in parliament that Talgo could partner with Polish rolling stock manufacturers, as RAILTARGET previously reported. Furthermore, PESA has expressed interest in acquiring a stake in Talgo, focusing on a deal that could match the level of the Hungarian investment fund offer, which was blocked by Spain for security reasons.

Polish Government Secures Financing for Talgo Acquisition

According to Railway Supply, by fall 2024, the Polish government secured financing for the Talgo acquisition, with a per-share price comparable to the Hungarian offer.

In an interview with Rynek Kolejowy, PESA CEO Krzystof Zdziarski highlighted Talgo’s proven track record across Europe. Talgo trains offer low-floor designs and adjustable gauges, making them suitable for routes into Ukraine. Additionally, the trains meet speed requirements of 250–330 km/h for Poland’s high-speed rail network. Zdziarski emphasized PESA’s readiness to produce these trains at its facilities in Mińsk Mazowiecki and PKP Intercity’s workshops in Olszynka Grochowska.

"Our agreement with Talgo extends beyond Poland," said Zdziarski. "We’re planning production for the entire region, including Rail Baltica and other Central and Eastern European markets where PESA has built a solid reputation."

Škoda Transportation’s Last Chance

As PESA and Talgo advance, Škoda Transportation finds itself at a critical juncture. To remain competitive, the Czech manufacturer must not only present a compelling counteroffer to Talgo but also back it with a clear vision for the company’s future growth. Without bold action, Škoda risks being sidelined in Poland’s high-speed rail revolution.

Source: RAILTARGET; Rynek Kolejowy; Railway Supply