Poland Releases Tender for 18 Shunting Locomotives

PKP Intercity, Poland's national railway operator, has announced a tender for the purchase of 18 new shunting locomotives to support the operations of terminal stations and depot stations. This procurement stems from the continuous expansion of the company's passenger services, which has led to a simultaneous increase in demand for the maneuverability of shunting locomotives. In recent years, PKP Intercity has increased passenger volume and the number of daily train services by densifying its train timetable, directly driving up the demand for shunting operations at key stations.

Although often overlooked, shunting locomotives are core equipment for ensuring operational reliability: they not only prepare trains for departure (such as repositioning passenger carriages, forming train sets, and ensuring readiness for departure) but also provide support in emergency scenarios, such as towing trains to the nearest station when the traction power supply fails.

The tender documents specify the technical standards for the new fleet: the new locomotives must be four-axle models with a maximum operating speed of no less than 100 km/h, a maximum axle load of no more than 20 tons, and a body length of no more than 20 meters; they must also be equipped with modern diesel engines meeting Euro V emission standards to reduce environmental impact. Regarding delivery, all 18 locomotives are required to be delivered within 48 months after the contract is signed, with the first 2 locomotives to be delivered within 32 months.

This tender requires manufacturers to submit bids by September 30, 2025, and it represents a continuation of PKP Intercity's fleet modernization strategy, which includes regular fleet renewal plans in recent years. Currently, the company operates more than 50 shunting diesel locomotives, with the most recent update being the delivery of 10 new shunting locomotives completed in 2023.