Intercity

PKP Intercity Announces Major Rolling Stock Overhaul, Aiming for Significant Service Expansion

Warsaw, Poland – PKP Intercity, Poland’s national rail operator, is embarking on a substantial modernization of its fleet with the introduction of new hybrid trains and passenger wagons, aiming to dramatically increase service frequency and reach underserved regions. The ambitious plan, detailed recently by company officials, targets a significant boost in operational work – measured in Passenger-Kilometers (POCKM) – over the next decade.

The cornerstone of this expansion is the acquisition of 35 hybrid trains from Newag, slated to begin service in late 2026/early 2027. These trains will initially operate on routes like Warsaw to Łomża, marking the return of rail service to Łomża after a 30-year absence. PKP Intercity anticipates each hybrid train will average 200,000 kilometers annually, contributing at least 6 million POCKM when factoring in maintainance and inspections.Crucially, these trains are designed to serve towns currently lacking adequate rail connections or relying on limited service from other carriers.

Parallel to the rolling stock upgrade, PKP PLK (Polish railway infrastructure manager) is actively improving infrastructure to support the new hybrid trains.This includes eliminating speed restrictions, aiming for consistent speeds of 100-120 km/h across key lines, benefiting all operators. Planned infrastructure improvements for the coming year include upgrades to sections between Płock and Ostrołęka, and Płock, Sierpc, Rypin, Jabłonowo, and Grudziądz.Beyond the hybrid trains, PKP Intercity is also investing in new passenger wagons to replace older, non-air-conditioned stock and increase capacity on existing routes. These new wagons will enable the creation of more frequent services, including hourly and bi-hourly schedules, and facilitate the launch of entirely new routes. A prime example is the planned increase in service between warsaw and Suwałki, aiming for a 3-hour and 15-minute journey time by December of next year – a significant betterment over current offerings. This route is highlighted as one where direct train availability has decreased over the past 30 years.

Looking ahead, PKP Intercity projects a rise from 84 million POCKM in the 2025/26 timetable to 90 million POCKM within two years. The ultimate goal is to reach 110 million POCKM by 2035, contingent on the successful integration of the new rolling stock and continued optimization of existing resources. Company officials stressed the importance of this operational growth being coupled with an increase in passenger numbers.

In a pointed commentary, PKP Intercity leadership criticized unrealistic project proposals and the influence of individuals lacking financial and logistical expertise in public transportation planning, warning against the potential for wasted taxpayer funds and project delays stemming from overly ambitious, unfeasible schedules.

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