PKP Intercity has revealed the names of four entities that have applied to participate in the tender for 20 electric multiple units capable of reaching 320 km/h. The decision on the winner is expected in autumn 2027, with potential follow-up orders for up to 55 units and a 30-year maintenance contract.
The tender, launched in December 2025, attracted interest from global rolling stock giants. The applicants include a consortium of Hitachi Rail STS S.p.A. (leader) and Pesa Bydgoszcz SA, a consortium of Siemens Mobility Sp. z o.o. and Siemens Mobility GmbH, Alstom, and Patentes Talgo SL. All have extensive experience in producing high-speed trains for European and Asian markets.
The initial order covers 20 trains, each about 200 metres long, designed for speeds up to 320 km/h. The contract also includes maintenance services for 30 years and the design and construction of a technical workshop. PKP Intercity has the option to purchase an additional 35 units, which would allow for higher frequencies on key routes.
Proven players with global credentials
Hitachi Rail, a Japanese manufacturer known for Shinkansen trains, is teamed up with Polish producer Pesa from Bydgoszcz. Siemens Mobility, which supplies ICE trains to German railways, is bidding through its Polish subsidiary. Alstom, already present in Poland with Pendolino units, and Talgo, the Spanish manufacturer serving Renfe, complete the shortlist.
PKP Intercity said that in the coming weeks the applications will be thoroughly verified. Firms that submit correct documents will be invited to a competitive dialogue stage. – This dialogue will help us determine the final scope of the order – said a representative of the Polish operator. Bids are scheduled for July 2027, with the winner announced in October 2027.
The trains must be homologated for operation in at least Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria. They will include first and second class compartments, a quiet zone, a bar or restaurant area, facilities for passengers with disabilities, family zones and bicycle racks. Final configurations will be settled during the dialogue phase.
Routes and future expansion
In the first phase, the 20 trains will serve the „Y” line connecting Warsaw, Łódź, Wrocław and Poznań. If the option for 35 extra units is exercised, frequencies could increase to every 30 minutes on the main corridors. Extensions to Prague and Leipzig are also being considered, with journey times of four to two hours.
The high-speed fleet could also be used on the planned line No. 5 (Warsaw – Płock – Grudziądz – Gdańsk – Gdynia), strengthening fast connections between the capital and the Tri-City area on new infrastructure.
The tender marks a significant step toward implementing Poland’s high-speed rail strategy. The first trains are expected to enter service after the completion of the new railway lines and the delivery of the rolling stock.
Źródło: wnp.pl, Fot. Marcin Kadziolka / Shutterstock, Lutsenko_Oleksandr / Shutterstock, Maksim Safaniuk / Shutterstock, Dariusz Malinowski / PTWP
