The manufacturer based in Nowy Sącz is the only company to have submitted a bid to the Podlaskie Voivodeship for the delivery of hybrid multiple units intended for regional passenger services. The procurement also includes an option for the supply of more units in future.
Two units with an option for four more
Under the tender specifications, Newag’s proposal covers two three-car hybrid multiple units, with an option to extend the order by a further four vehicles. The fact that the bid remains within the approved budget significantly increases the likelihood of successful contract award and project implementation.
This approach provides the regional authority with flexibility in planning the further development of its regional rail network while maintaining firm cost control. For passengers, the new trains promise higher comfort levels and improved rail accessibility on lines with limited technical infrastructure.
Bid price within budget, offer under evaluation
The regional authority initially earmarked PLN 120,003,000 for the base order. Newag priced the delivery of the two vehicles at PLN 117,834,000, remaining within the allocated budget. In the procurement procedure launched by the Podlaskie Voivodeship, Newag was the only manufacturer to offer next-generation hybrid trains. This solution is particularly relevant in regions where railway infrastructure is not fully electrified.
As part of its proposal, the manufacturer declared:
- a 24-month warranty period and extended defect liability for each vehicle,
- delivery of complete technical documentation,
- delivery of the first unit within 36 months and the second unit within 37 months from contract signing.
The submitted offer is currently being assessed for compliance with technical and formal requirements.
Technical parameters
The Podlaskie Voivodeship set demanding operational criteria for the new rolling stock. According to the tender documentation, the multiple units must reach a maximum speed of at least 160 km/h in electric mode and at least 120 km/h when operating under combustion power.
The traction system is required to be based on AC asynchronous motors with the possibility of individually disconnecting motor groups, a solution intended to enhance operational reliability. The contracting authority also stipulated a minimum of four powered axles, enabling continued operation even in the event of a traction component failure.
Vehicle length may not exceed 67 metres. In multiple-unit operation, the distance between the outermost doors of two coupled units must not exceed 120 metres, ensuring suitability for existing platform layouts.
Modern interior and passenger facilities
Equally stringent requirements apply to passenger accommodation. Each unit must provide at least 138 seats and a minimum of 156 standing places (calculated at four persons per square metre in unobstructed areas).
Seating arranged in 2+2 or longitudinal layouts is designed to ensure comfortable travel. Every pair of seats must be equipped with 230 V power sockets and 5 V / 2.1 A USB outlets. Folding seats are not permitted; instead, the specification requires the installation of lumbar supports in standing areas.
The vehicles must also feature at least three doors on each side, positioned opposite one another as an essential requirement for efficient passenger exchange in regional operations.
Standard onboard equipment must include systems now considered essential for modern regional rolling stock:
- internal and external CCTV monitoring,
- a dynamic timetable system,
- passenger Wi-Fi,
- a passenger information system,
- an automatic passenger counting system,
- an onboard advertising display system.
