PKP Intercity signed a gigantic contract with Alstom Polska for 42 double-deck high-speed electric trains. The contract itself is priced at PLN 4.1 billion, and the maintenance over 30 years will cost an estimated PLN 2.78 billion.

Double-decker electric trains for Poland to be built by Alstom
Photo: PKP Intercity

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Stadler Polska took part in the tender as well. But its bid was close to PLN 400 million more expensive. Hence, Alstom won the contract by offering comparable conditions and longer guarantees.

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Production and operation

The trains will be built at Alstom’s Chorzów factory. They will be able to transport over 500 passengers and will be able to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. The contract also envisages the option of an order for another 30 units.

The trains will run on lines joining Warsaw and key Polish cities such as Gdańsk, Łódź, Wrocław, and Kraków. Expansion into foreign services, however, such as the Czech Republic, is being considered too.

Entry into service

The first train is scheduled to be put into operation 3.5 years after the contract signing. At the same time, PKP Intercity thinks double-deck electric trains will alleviate road jams and increase regional transport accessibility.

When will the double-deck electric trains start running?

The first locomotive will enter passenger service 3.5 years after the contract signing between PKP Intercity and Alstom Polska.

Why Alstom and not Stadler?

Stadler Polska offered close to PLN 400 million more, therefore Alstom won the tender through more attractive pricing.

What trains will run on the routes?

They will connect Warsaw and Gdańsk, Łódź, Wrocław, Kraków, and other primary Polish cities. They can also handle international flights from/to the Czech Republic some day.

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