Kombud Joins UNIFE: Future of Polish Rail, ERTMS, Tech Trends

Kombud Group Joins UNIFE, Signaling Polish Railway Advancement on the European Stage

In a significant development for the Polish railway industry, Kombud Group, a leading manufacturer of railway traffic management systems, was admitted as a member of the European Railway Industry Association (UNIFE) on June 12, 2025. The announcement was made during the 34th UNIFE General Assembly held in Warsaw, Poland, marking a pivotal moment for the company and the nation’s rail sector. This membership underscores Kombud Group’s growing international recognition and its commitment to shaping European rail policy. The admission provides a platform for collaboration on standardization and technological advancements within the critical field of rail traffic control systems. The “Who” is Kombud Group, a Polish railway manufacturer. “What” is their admission into UNIFE. “When” was June 12, 2025. “Where” was Warsaw, Poland. “Why” is to participate in shaping European rail policy and cooperation on projects regarding standardization. “How” is through strategic collaborations and the implementation of advanced technologies, particularly in the ERTMS/ETCS framework.

Expanding into the European Rail Market

Kombud Group’s entry into UNIFE is a strategic move for the company, which has been delivering sophisticated and safe rail traffic control systems for over three decades. The company’s International Director, Szymon Kniaź, highlighted the significance of the membership, noting that it validates the recognition of Poland and Polish railways within the global railway landscape. This association with UNIFE offers the company unparalleled opportunities to contribute to the direction of European rail standards and participate in joint projects focused on technological development. The group’s technological and financial capabilities, cultivated through the merger of Zakłady Automatyki Kombud and Rail-Mil, positions them as a major player in the Central and Eastern European market. With 65 certified systems and devices approved for use across the European Union, Kombud Group is well-positioned to expand its presence in the European railway market.

Poland’s ERTMS/ETCS Implementation: A National Strategic Initiative

Poland is actively pursuing a strategic rollout of the European Rail Traffic Management System/European Train Control System (ERTMS/ETCS). The National Implementation Plan for 2024 outlines the ambitious goal of equipping approximately 9,800 kilometers of rail lines, primarily within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), with ETCS Level 2 by the year 2050. Currently, substantial progress has been made, with ETCS implementation already completed on 791.69 kilometers of railway lines. Of this, 626.72 km are equipped with Level 2, 120.25 km with Level 1, and 50.72 km with Level 1 Limited Supervision. Concurrently, the older SHP (Class B) system will be gradually phased out by 2048, ensuring a smooth transition to the advanced ERTMS/ETCS framework. This ongoing modernization signifies a significant investment in improving safety, increasing capacity, and enhancing interoperability across Poland’s rail network.

UNIFE’s Focus: Funding, Competitiveness, and the Future of Rail

The UNIFE General Assembly provided a critical forum for discussing crucial aspects of the European rail industry, including future EU rail funding, competitiveness challenges, trade, and the development of a European high-speed rail network. UNIFE Director General, Enno Wiebe, emphasized the need for stable, efficient, and simplified policy frameworks to facilitate the ERTMS rollout, complete the TEN-T network, and expand high-speed rail across Europe. With the upcoming EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) draft, Wiebe underscored the potential risks to European rail networks if investment in technology stagnates. He also highlighted the necessity of funding to strengthen network resilience, particularly within the context of Military Mobility. UNIFE additionally expressed its backing of the European high-speed rail network, while calling for the European Commission to provide definitive financing plans to guarantee that this ambitious project profits both European economies and the supply industry.

Securing the Competitive Edge: Procurement and Trade

UNIFE emphasized the importance of safeguarding the European Rail Supply Industry’s competitiveness in both public procurement and trade. The association called for the European Commission to consider the industry as “strategic,” ensuring a European preference in procurement procedures. These recommendations aim to reinforce the position of European manufacturers in the global market and support innovation within the sector. The agenda included a wide range of new member companies from across Europe, demonstrating the industry’s capacity to innovate and move forward.

Conclusion

The admission of Kombud Group to UNIFE is a positive step, not just for the Polish rail industry but for the European market as a whole. It is a clear signal of Poland’s ambition to integrate with European partners in the rail sector. With the commitment to ETCS implementation and the support from UNIFE, the future of the Polish rail network looks promising, reflecting a broader trend towards modernization and enhanced efficiency. Furthermore, the strategic focus on stable funding, technological innovation, and a competitive market environment highlights the core issues that UNIFE is addressing. The growth in the market, combined with increasing demand and forecasts for rail services, points to a bright outlook for the European Rail Supply Industry. As UNIFE continues its work in promoting competitiveness and collaboration, the rail sector is well-positioned for innovation and growth in the years to come, helping the European supply industry stay competitive and able to answer customer expectations.

Company Summary

Kombud Group, a Polish company, is a leading manufacturer of railway traffic management systems. Born from the merger of Zakłady Automatyki Kombud and Rail-Mil, the company has established itself as a key player in the Central and Eastern European rail sector, providing advanced technology solutions for over 30 years. Their solutions include traffic control, signaling systems and automation. With 65 systems and devices certified for use in the European Union, Kombud Group is committed to the advancement and safety of railway operations.