Rail supplier news from Hitachi Rail, Siemens Mobility and Pro-Vision covers high-speed trains for Poland, a new digital locomotive platform and an AI-based camera system for rail fleets.

Siemens Vectron X locomotive at Munich-Allach rail service center
Siemens Mobility presented the Vectron X locomotive at its Munich-Allach rail service center. Photo: Siemens Mobility

Hitachi Rail and PESA plan PKP Intercity bid

Hitachi Rail has entered into a memorandum of understanding⁠ with PESA Bydgoszcz, Poland’s largest rail-vehicle manufacturer. The agreement sets up a joint bid to build and supply 20 high-speed electric multiple units for Polish passenger-rail service PKP Intercity.

The potential contract also includes options for 35 additional trains and a 30-year maintenance term. If the Hitachi-PESA consortium wins the order, the first 20 EMUs would be produced at Hitachi facilities in Italy. During a later phase, PESA would gradually take on a larger share of production work.

PESA would also handle maintenance activities for the trains in Poland, according to Hitachi. Hitachi officials said the cooperation is intended to support Poland’s rail sector by developing local expertise. Under the MoU, new production halls would also be constructed in Bydgoszcz, giving PESA the capability to manufacture double-decker rail vehicles in the future.

Siemens Mobility unveils the Vectron X locomotive

Siemens Mobility presented its latest highly digitized locomotive model, the Vectron X⁠, on June 10 at its newly opened rail service center in Munich-Allach, Germany. The locomotive is designed for both passenger and freight use and is based on Siemens’ Vectron and Xcelerator platforms.

According to Siemens, the Vectron X combines established locomotive technology with digital functions, open interfaces for third-party providers and a central smart screen inside the cab. Tools normally used by drivers on smartphones or tablets, including mission-planning and operational coordination applications, can be shown directly on the screen or mirrored through TrainPlay.

Siemens said this creates a CarPlay-like approach for rail for the first time. The company said the concept turns the locomotive cab into a digital workspace and gives drivers easier access to operational information.

Birdseye 360 AI system targets rail fleet safety

Pro-Vision has introduced a new camera product, the Birdseye 360 AI system⁠. The system uses computer vision to identify hazards in real time and alert operators immediately, according to the company.

The product is intended to improve fleet safety, including for hi-rail vehicles and maintenance-of-way equipment. Birdseye can combine up to six ultra-wide-angle cameras to produce a stitched, top-down view around the vehicle.

The system also uses AI to continuously examine video feeds and identify possible risks. It can be integrated with telematics and video management platforms, including Pro-Vision’s CloudConnect platform.

What this means for the market?

The supplier updates add context around production, services and fleet operations, but they do not turn the Hitachi-PESA MoU into a confirmed order. PKP Intercity’s tender is designed for 20 EMUs capable of 320 km/h, with an option for 35 more and maintenance included; the operator has also described planned high-speed services on the “Y” line and international routes. Hitachi and PESA link their bid to a two-stage production model and technology transfer in Bydgoszcz, while Siemens says its new Munich-Allach service center is designed to lift annual capacity from about 25 to up to 80 overhauls and accident repairs.