Polish train operator PKP Intercity has ordered 10 high-speed electric locomotives from the train manufacturer Newag for use on international and domestic services.
The 56 million euro contract for the build of 10 200km/h multi-system locomotives was signed on October 22 with Newag, which is also Polish, reportedly the sole bidder for the tender issued earlier this year.
Under the terms of the deal Newag will deliver the first loco within 18 months and all 10 within three and a half years. PKP has an option for five more locomotives. Newag is also required to obtain authorisation for the electric trains to operate in six EU countries: Poland, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
The locos will be equipped for operation on 3kV DC, 15kV 16·7Hz and 25kV 50Hz. They will be fitted with ETCS onboard equipment, as well as a remote diagnostics system allowing real-time condition monitoring.
PKP Intercity will deploy the trains on cross-border services to and from Germany and the Czech Republic, as well as for domestic intercity routes within Poland.
“These multi-system electrics will give us the opportunity to expand our cross-border services,” said PKP Intercity CEO Marek Chraniek. “Expansion of our fleet with additional electric vehicles will be another step on our way to achieve climate neutrality.”
The latest deal comes a year after PKP Intercity took delivery of 30 EU160 Griffin 160 km/h electric locomotives from Newag for use on domestic inter-city services.
“I am glad that PKP Intercity is once again starting co-operation with a domestic company,” said Maciej Małecki, Secretary of State at the Ministry of State Assets, during the ceremony. “This co-operation which shows that the modern technologies are being developed in Poland.”