PKP Intercity has secured more than 2 billion PLN from the National Recovery Plan (KPO) to support its ambitious plans to expand and upgrade its fleet, marking a significant milestone in Poland’s public transportation sector. This grant will cover 94% of the project costs, funding the purchase of 56 zero-emission locomotives and the modernization of 248 passenger carriages, all to be completed within Polish factories by mid-2026.
A landmark agreement
On October 30, Janusz Malinowski, President of PKP Intercity, and Joanna Lech, Director of the Centre for EU Transport Projects (CUPT), signed the funding agreement in the presence of Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak. The allocated funds, sourced from KPO, total over 2 billion PLN, supporting an overall project budget of nearly 2.3 billion PLN. This investment will contribute to PKP Intercity’s commitment to environmentally friendly and modernized rail travel across Poland.
Investing in Polish industry and infrastructure
The investment will not only provide high-quality, modern transportation options for Polish passengers but will also funnel funds into local industry. The projects will be completed exclusively within Polish manufacturing plants, including the H. Cegielski factory in Poznań, Pesa in Bydgoszcz, and Newag in Nowy Sącz. Malinowski emphasized that this investment strengthens PKP Intercity’s ties with the domestic manufacturing sector, with contracts totaling over 15 billion PLN invested in Polish industry to date.
Supporting growing passenger demand
PKP Intercity is experiencing rapid growth in passenger numbers, projecting nearly 80 million travelers this year and an estimated 110 million by 2030. This modernization project, enabled by KPO funding, is seen as essential for meeting rising demand and expanding the country’s rail network. Minister Klimczak highlighted that this grant will allow PKP Intercity to expand routes, improve rail services, and meet the needs of passengers who increasingly prefer rail travel in Poland.
Nationwide impact
The upgraded locomotives and carriages will serve routes across Poland, connecting major cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, and Poznań, as well as smaller towns like Piła, Hajnówka, and Zakopane. The improvements align with PKP Intercity’s public service agreement with the Ministry of Infrastructure, helping to strengthen the accessibility and quality of Poland’s rail infrastructure.
Long-term impact of EU funding
EU funds have been instrumental in Poland’s railway transformation for over 20 years, resulting in upgrades across the country’s rail infrastructure. Following this latest investment, PKP Intercity’s total EU funding will exceed 5.2 billion PLN, backing projects worth over 11 billion PLN. These funds have enabled the acquisition and modernization of a significant fleet, including 846 carriages, 96 electric locomotives, 60 electric trainsets, and 43 diesel locomotives.
The strategic importance of the KPO
The KPO, Poland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, aims to restore economic potential and enhance competitiveness in response to the pandemic’s impact. The KPO focuses on supporting sustainable economic growth and raising living standards through strategic investments, such as PKP Intercity’s modernization initiative.
PKP Intercity’s efforts, supported by EU funding, continue to position Poland’s railways as a key player in Europe’s sustainable transportation network, catering to the needs of both domestic and international travelers.
Source: PAP MediaRoom
