The company has taken delivery of nine of the new locomotives, which are capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 kph. This makes full use of the country's upgraded rail infrastructure.
PKP Intercity is currently carrying out contracts with Polish manufacturers worth close to PLN 15 billion (EUR 3.45 billion, USD 3.7 billion) to upgrade and expand its rail fleet, including both new builds and modernization of existing equipment.
The Griffin 200 locomotives are a Polish design, produced by local manufacturer Newag under a contract for 15 units.
The total value of the contract, which includes both delivery and maintenance of the engines, is around PLN 388 million (EUR 90 million, USD 96 million).
Two more locomotives are expected to join the fleet by the end of October, with the final three arriving before the year’s end.
These state-of-the-art engines represent a major technological advancement for Poland. Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak said: "This is the first time we’ve seen Polish-made locomotives with such high technological capabilities, especially regarding maximum speed. Their multi-system design allows them to run on different electrified rail lines, making them suitable for international routes."
The Griffin 200s are equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, a technology that significantly improves rail safety. Additionally, the locomotives feature a remote diagnostics system, allowing real-time monitoring of the engines, which helps improve operational efficiency.
In Poland, these locomotives will be deployed on some of the country’s busiest routes, such as those connecting Warsaw with Gdynia, Poznań, Wrocław, Katowice and Kraków.
The Griffin 200s are also designed for international operations, with plans for them to initially run in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. By 2026, they are expected to receive certification for use in Germany, Austria and Hungary.
PKP Intercity has been making significant investments in its rail fleet throughout 2024. This includes two large contracts with Newag, the first of which involves the purchase of 63 electric locomotives with an option for 32 more. This contract, valued at nearly PLN 2.3 billion, is the largest of its kind for both the rail operator and the manufacturer.
In addition, PKP Intercity has ordered 35 dual-powered trainsets from Newag, under a contract worth PLN 3.3 billion. These new vehicles will expand service on non-electrified lines, with maintenance guaranteed for 10 years.
The rail operator has also focused on upgrading its passenger cars. It signed a contract with the manufacturer H. Cegielski Fabryka Pojazdów Szynowych for 300 new train cars, with an option for 150 more.
These cars, designed for speeds of up to 200 kph, will be in service by 2026. The contract is valued at PLN 4.2 billion.
(rt/gs)
Source: businessinsider.com.pl, pap-mediaroom.pl