PKP Intercity & Alstom: Poland’s Rail Expansion with Coradia Max EMUs

“`html

Introduction

PKP Intercity and Alstom have finalized a EUR 1.6 billion (PLN 6.9 billion) contract for the delivery of 42 Coradia Max double-deck EMUs and 30 years of full-service maintenance. The agreement, announced in September 2025, also includes an option to purchase an additional 30 trains.

Contract Details and Timeline

The contract value for the 42 trains is PLN 4.1 billion (EUR 968.5 million), with maintenance costs reaching PLN 2.8 billion (EUR 661.4 million). PKP Intercity anticipates the first passengers will board the new trains in approximately 3.5 years. According to the contract, all trains are scheduled to be delivered by early 2032.

Technical Specifications and Design

The Coradia Max fleet, designed to operate at speeds up to 200 km/h, will be assembled in Poland, utilizing the expertise of Alstom’s Polish engineering team at the Chorzów and Nadarzyn sites. The six-car Coradia Max train configuration includes four double-deck end cars and two single-deck intermediate cars, providing over 550 seats and the capacity for double traction. The design features a modular platform that allows PKP Intercity to customize the trains according to specific route and passenger requirements.

Operational Features and Passenger Experience

The trains will offer various passenger amenities, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, power sockets, reading lights, luggage racks, bicycle and stroller areas, quiet zones, family compartments, and a bistro area. They will also feature wide automatic doors. The trains are designed with step-free boarding from 760 mm platforms, and for other platform heights, automatic lifts will provide access for passengers with reduced mobility. Safety features will include the ETCS Level 1 and 2 safety system, an on-board diagnostic system, and GPS. Additionally, the trains will be equipped with a built-in video system and adapted to operate on lines with 3kV and 25kV voltages, enabling service in both Poland and the Czech Republic.

Maintenance and Service

Under the 30-year full-service contract, Alstom will manage all preventive, corrective, and overhaul maintenance activities for the entire Coradia Max fleet, including cleaning services. These services will be supported by Alstom’s Fleet Support Centre and HealthHub digital platform, which will enable condition-based and predictive maintenance.

Conclusion

The contract between PKP Intercity and Alstom covers the delivery of 42 Coradia Max double-deck EMUs, full-service maintenance, and an option for additional trains. The new trains will be assembled in Poland and are designed to enhance passenger comfort and operational efficiency on key intercity routes. Alstom will provide comprehensive maintenance services for the fleet.

Company Summary

Alstom: A global provider of transport solutions, operating in the rail sector.

PKP Intercity: Poland’s national rail operator.

“`