PKP Intercity, the Polish long-distance rail operator, has utilized nearly 84% of the funding provided through Poland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan for one of its major rolling stock projects. The program includes the purchase of 56 electric locomotives and the modernization of 248 passenger railcars.
By the end of April 2026, the Polish operator had received over 1.81 billion zlotys, equivalent to approximately EUR 434.4 million, in European funds, out of a total of 2.162 billion zlotys, approximately EUR 518.88 million, granted through the PNRR. The total value of the project is 2.825 billion zlotys, approximately EUR 678 million.
The investment aims to modernize a significant portion of the PKP Intercity fleet and improve the quality of service on long-distance routes in Poland through more comfortable, accessible, and reliable trains.
56 locomotives and 248 passenger cars modernized in Poland
The financing contract for the project “Procurement of 56 zero-emission locomotives and modernization of 248 passenger cars” was signed on October 30, 2024, with the European Union’s Transport Projects Center.
PKP Intercity has already received all 56 Griffin EU160 electric locomotives ordered and 214 modernized passenger railcars out of the total 248 planned in the project. The company has also completed the physical and financial implementation of five of the seven investment tasks included in the program.
The rolling stock financed through the PNRR is used on long-distance routes operated by PKP Intercity throughout Poland. The project covers the modernization of several types of railcars, including 141A/111A, 152A, Z1B, AB, and COMBO, as well as the acquisition of Griffin EU160 electric locomotives.
The modernized railcars include first- and second-class vehicles, compartmented and non-compartmented railcars, as well as COMBO multifunctional railcars, adapted to meet various passenger needs.
“Transforming long-distance rail”
PKP Intercity asserts that the high level of utilization of European funds demonstrates the company’s ability to rapidly translate funding into tangible benefits for passengers.
“This high level of investment progress demonstrates our efficiency in utilizing European funds and our ability to rapidly translate funding into real benefits for passengers. Thanks to funds from the PNRR, we are not only modernizing our rolling stock but are also genuinely accelerating the transformation of long-distance rail in Poland, so that it becomes the first choice for intercity travel,” said Marcin Karasiński, a member of the Board of Directors of PKP Intercity.
According to the company, the fleet modernization is already reflected in daily services, through increased comfort, availability, and quality of service for passengers.
European funds also support the Polish railway industry
The project also has a significant industrial component. The modernization of the railcars is being carried out by companies from various regions of Poland, including H. Cegielski – Fabryka Pojazdów Szynowych, Pesa Bydgoszcz, Pesa Mińsk Mazowiecki, and PKP Intercity Remtrak.
The Griffin EU160 electric locomotives are supplied by NEWAG, one of Poland’s leading rolling stock manufacturers.
Through these contracts, European funds support not only the improvement of rail transport services but also local industry, jobs, and technological expertise in Poland.
“European funds from the PNRR serve a dual purpose: they improve the quality of travel and, at the same time, strengthen Polish industry, jobs, and national technological expertise,” added Marcin Karasiński.
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