Poland’s largest regional rail operator, Polregio, has launched a tender for up to 22 new electric multiple units (EMUs), marking its biggest order for factory-new rolling stock in many years, “a prerequisite for effectively competing in the liberalising rail transport market”
The procurement covers six EMUs under a base contract, with a further 16 units foreseen under an option. Polregio wants the first trains to enter passenger service around the turn of 2028 and 2029, with subsequent deliveries rolling out in later quarters.
“For Polregio, every tender for new rolling stock is a real breakthrough,” said Aleksandra Grzywaczewska, acting CEO. “The scale of the needs is enormous, and the company’s financial capabilities are limited. Therefore, each acquired train is crucial both for us and for passengers.”
She added that d the full execution of the order would significantly expand capacity across the network “by approximately 7,000 standing and seated places for passengers. Further steps lie ahead.”
Securing funding
While the base order would guarantee six new EMUs, the optional tranche of 16 vehicles will depend on funding outcomes, including the evaluation of applications submitted under the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate and Environment (FEnIKS) programme administered by Poland’s Centre for EU Transport Projects (CUPT). The final allocation of vehicles to regions and routes will also hinge on these funding decisions.
According to the tender documentation, each new EMU must be capable of carrying at least 310 passengers, including a minimum of 190 seated. The trains are required to support multiple working, allowing units to be coupled during peak demand, and must reach a top speed of at least 160 km/h, enabling deployment on both agglomeration and supra-regional services.
Polregio expects the trains to be equipped with air conditioning, a modern passenger information system, Wi-Fi connectivity, power sockets and USB ports, alongside dedicated space for bicycles. Accessibility requirements include full step-free provision for passengers with reduced mobility, with wheelchair spaces, areas for accompanying carers, accessible toilets, and boarding supported by ramps or lifts. Safety features specified in the tender include onboard defibrillators and a monitoring system to enhance passenger security.
Fighting liberalisation
The operator is framing the investment as part of a broader strategic response to rising demand and increasing competition. In 2025, Polregio carried nearly 103 million passengers across its nationwide network.
“It is with them in mind that we want to improve the quality of our services,” said Wojciech Dinges, Vice President of POLREGIO. “One of the key elements of this strategy is modern rolling stock. This is a prerequisite for effectively competing in the liberalising rail transport market.”
The deadline for submitting bids is 26 February. If the procurement proceeds as planned, the new EMUs will add to a rolling programme of fleet renewal already under way. In 2025, the company signed contracts for 26 vehicles for selected voivodeships, with some units, including 14WE trains in Małopolska, already in service and further deliveries expected in 2026.
Additional fleet changes scheduled for the coming months include the introduction of EN81 EMUs in the Świętokrzyskie voivodeship, LINT41 units in Wielkopolska and Lubuskie, and the ongoing modernisation of ED72 EMUs as part of P5 overhauls, with redeployment based on operational demand.
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