New COMBO passenger cars on the tracks. How European funds are changing the Polish railroad and economy

According to the Railway Transport Authority, nearly 439 million passengers will use rail services in 2025 — the highest figure in the past 30 years. This dynamic growth in interest in rail transport requires carriers to systematically modernize their rolling stock and expand their service offering. One of the projects addressing these needs is PKP Intercity’s investment program, implemented with the support of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRP).

In 2024, CEUTP announced that PKP Intercity had been awarded more than PLN 2.16 billion for the modernisation of 248 passenger cars and the purchase of 56 zero-emission locomotives. To date, the carrier has taken delivery of 191 modernised passenger cars and all locomotives.

The most recent result of the project is six modernised COMBO passenger cars, which, as announced, will go out on the tracks before Easter. The others will appear by the end of June this year.

Acceptance of COMBO passenger cars – the next stage of strengthening PKP Intercity’s rolling stock

During an official presentation in Warsaw on April 2, Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak highlighted the scale of changes taking place in domestic rail transportation:

– We are experiencing a renaissance of the Polish railroad. In just two years we have increased the number of passengers by more than 50%. This would not have been possible without the modernization of the rolling stock and the purchase of new cars and locomotives.

COMBO passenger cars represent a significant strengthening of the carrier’s fleet of rolling stock. At the same time, as pointed out by Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, Minister of Funds and Regional Policy:

– Today, the ability to choose a mode of transportation is absolutely crucial. Thanks to funds from the European Funds and the NIP, this opportunity is realistically increasing for passengers.

Modern COMBO wagons – greater functionality and accessibility

COMBO coaches are designed as multifunctional vehicles to meet the needs of different groups of travellers. Features include:

• Separate spaces for people with disabilities,
• Air conditioning and a modern passenger information system,
• Ergonomic seats, outlets and Wi Fi,
• Compartments for families traveling with children,
• Additional facilities, such as vending equipment.

Earlier series of COMBO passenger cars were certified as “Transportation without Barriers,” confirming their compliance with high accessibility standards.

Investment to strengthen the national economy

The implementation of the NRP-funded project brings tangible benefits not only to passengers but also to the economy as a whole.

– This wagon is not just a piece of rolling stock, but proof that European funds are really strengthening the Polish railroad and the Polish economy. Investments such as this one combine transport, social and industrial goals, and their effects are felt by both passengers and domestic manufacturers,” stressed Joanna Lech, director of the Center for EU Transport Projects.

Investment:

• Developing and enhancing technical competence in Polish industry,
• Increases domestic production capacity,
• Creates stable jobs in high-tech industries,
• Strengthens Poland’s position in the European market for rolling stock manufacturers,
• Has a real impact on GDP growth through infrastructure and rolling stock investments.

Importantly, modernization and rolling stock purchases are carried out exclusively by Polish manufacturers, such as FPS H. Cegielski, PESA Bydgoszcz and Newag. As a result, 100% of the funds remain in the domestic industrial sector, supporting its development and stability.

European funds turned into concrete results

The Center for EU Transport Projects is responsible for overseeing the implementation and financing of investments, ensuring their compliance with the schedule and objectives of transport policy.

Under the current financial perspective – including the NRP – Poland will allocate about PLN 54.7 billion for the development of rail transport. These funds include:

• Mmodernization and purchase of rolling stock,
• Construction and reconstruction of railroad lines,
• Investments in train stations,
• Projects to improve rail traffic safety.

This is a comprehensive program aimed at providing a modern, accessible and efficient railroad to meet the needs of today’s passengers and economy.