Poland Launches Another High-Speed Train Tender, Aiming to Become Central and Eastern Europe’s Rail Hub!
2025-12-12
Poland’s primary long-distance rail operator, PKP Intercity, plans to initiate a major tender in the near future for the procurement of 20 high-speed trains, with an option to expand the order to up to 35 trains. This move aims to enhance transport capacity and improve passenger experience, addressing the growing travel demand on both domestic and international routes and supporting the modernization of Poland’s railway system.The tender specifies clear requirements for train performance, including high commercial operating speeds compatible with Poland’s rapidly upgrading rail network. The country is currently investing heavily in infrastructure development, such as renovating existing lines and constructing high-speed corridors linking Warsaw, the Central Communication Hub (CPK), Łódź, Wrocław, and Poznań. The new trains must fully meet the operational standards of these future routes.In addition to speed, the tender will focus on three core dimensions: reliability, energy consumption, and maintenance costs. The trains must deliver a high-standard passenger experience, featuring modern amenities, barrier-free access designs, and next-generation digital services to cater to diverse passenger needs. The tender is expected to attract fierce competition from numerous European and international train manufacturers.PKP Intercity has opted for a flexible procurement scale of 20 to 35 trains to adapt to market changes and funding availability, particularly regarding support from European funds. Despite Poland currently lacking true 250 km/h high-speed lines, the company is determined to become a key player in the high-speed rail sector of Central and Eastern Europe. This ambition aligns closely with the Polish government’s CPK mega-project—centered around a new airport 40 kilometers west of Warsaw—which plans to develop a nationwide state-of-the-art rail network.The Polish government has officially approved a multi-year investment plan for 2024–2032, with a total budget of approximately 131.7 billion złoty (around 30.8 billion euros), dedicated to rail and airport infrastructure under the CPK project. According to the plan, the first high-speed line connecting Warsaw, CPK Airport, and Łódź is scheduled to commence operations in 2032. While the target deadline is six years away and its timely completion remains to be seen, overall progress is highly feasible.With the launch of the high-speed train tender and the advancement of the CPK infrastructure project, Poland is steadily building its role as a rail hub in Central and Eastern Europe. In the future, an efficient high-speed rail network will further strengthen regional connectivity and inject new momentum into economic development. This procurement initiative by PKP Intercity marks a critical step in the modernization and internationalization of Poland’s railway sector.
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