As the winds of competition stir, Polish operator PKP is gearing up to revolutionise rail travel between Berlin and Warsaw. With the procurement of new high-speed trains, PKP aims to enhance services and ultimately challenge Deutsche Bahn (DB), currently the sole high-speed operator on this route. CEO Janusz Malinowski unveiled these strategic plans during the HSR Congress in Łódź, emphasizing PKP’s ambition to offer up to 9 daily train services, surpassing DB’s existing 6 connections.
This bold initiative is set against the backdrop of Poland’s burgeoning High-Speed Rail (HSR) framework. By 2035, the emerging ‘Line Y’ will shift transportation dynamics, linking major cities like Wrocław, Poznań, and Berlin. PKP is expected to announce a tender soon for an initial fleet of 26 high-speed trains, complementing this vision while ensuring operational compatibility in Germany and Lithuania.
In anticipation of new high-speed lines as part of the massive CPK project by 2032, PKP Intercity is bracing for an era of liberalisation. Malinowski foresees frequent services; during peak times, trains could run every hour, amassing 16 pairs daily along the Wrocław-Warsaw axis, and an impressive 25 pairs towards Poznań. This expanded offering reflects PKP’s commitment to utilise new infrastructure fully.
The fiscal scope for this venture is significant, with the 26 units projected to cost over PLN 4 billion (approximately €970 million), alongside a further PLN 5 billion earmarked for maintenance over the next 30 years. With an initial funding model of 55% self-financed capital and 45% debt, PKP is poised to transform the travel landscape and enrich passenger experiences across Poland’s intertwining rail networks.
Polish operator PKP plans to rival Deutsche Bahn by launching 9 daily high-speed train services between Warsaw and Berlin, utilising new trains capable of 300 km/h. This initiative aligns with Poland’s broader transport ambitions, with expected service enhancements by 2035, focusing on liberalisation and network expansion.
In summary, PKP’s foray into high-speed rail signifies an important evolution in Poland’s rail landscape, aiming to compete directly with Deutsche Bahn. With ambitious plans for a robust service network by 2035, investment in high-speed trains, and a focus on infrastructure utilisation, PKP is well-positioned to transform travel between Berlin and Warsaw.
Original Source: www.railtech.com
