Double-decker trains will travel 200km/h – such is the revolution in long-distance rail transport announced by PKP Intercity. The carrier has announced the largest order for passenger vehicles in its history. The order is for 42 double-decker electric multiple units, which are expected to introduce a new quality on the most important national routes.
Largest order in the history of the national railway
PKP Intercity has opened bids in a tender for the delivery of trainsets, with the possibility of extending the order by a further 30 units. These are the first double-decker trains of this type to be used on long-distance routes in Poland. Two companies took part in the tender – Alstom Polska with its plant in Chorzów and Stadler Polska with its factory in Siedlce.
The modern multiple-unit trains are expected to travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h, serving routes from Warsaw to Gdańsk, Kraków, Wrocław, Łódź and Białystok, among others.
Passengers’ comfort in the first place
Each of the new trainsets will accommodate at least 480 passengers. The trains will be equipped with a range of amenities, including:
ergonomic seats,
air conditioning and WiFi,
uSB sockets,
space for families with children,
space for bicycles and luggage,
a quiet zone,
facilities for people with disabilities.
In addition, state-of-the-art on-board safety and diagnostic systems such as ETCS level 1 and 2, monitoring, GPS and information systems will be used. The trains will also be approved for operation in the Czech Republic, increasing their operational versatility.
The double-decker trains will travel at 200km/h and change the standard of travel
The use of a double-decker construction allows for more efficient space management and lower operating costs compared to classic carriages. This solution is part of PKP Intercity’s broader rolling stock modernisation strategy.
The first vehicles are due to appear on the tracks within 3.5 years of signing the contract. The carrier expects that they will enable it to respond even better to the growing needs of passengers – according to forecasts, up to 109 million travellers a year may use PKP Intercity services by 2030.
Strategic investments in the Polish railway industry
New double-decker trains are only part of PKP Intercity’s major investment programme. To date, the company has contracted agreements with domestic manufacturers for a total gross amount exceeding PLN 16.5 billion. The largest orders are being realised by:
Newag from Nowy Sącz – 144 locomotives and 35 multiple units,
H. Cegielski – FPS – modernisation of 172 wagons and delivery of 300 new wagons,
PESA from Bydgoszcz and Minsk Mazowiecki – hybrid locomotives and modernisation of 67 units,
as well as Remtrak, plants in Opole and Opoczno.
A new chapter in the history of Polish railways
The introduction of double-decker trains is a milestone towards a modern, comfortable and fast railway in Poland. Thanks to such major investments, PKP Intercity is strengthening its leading position in long-distance transport and responding to the dynamically growing needs of passengers.
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