PESA Bydgoszcz and Hitachi Rail have signed a cooperation agreement to jointly participate in PKP Intercity’s landmark high-speed rail tender, strengthening competition for one of the most significant rolling stock contracts in Poland’s history.
The partnership combines Hitachi Rail’s experience in high-speed train manufacturing with PESA’s local production and maintenance capabilities. The consortium has already submitted its application to participate in the tender, which covers the supply of trains capable of operating at speeds of up to 320 km/h.
The project is closely linked to Poland’s future high-speed rail network being developed as part of the Central Communication Port initiative, which aims to transform national and international rail connectivity.
Partnership Includes Technology Transfer To Poland
A key element of the agreement is the transfer of manufacturing expertise from Hitachi Rail to PESA. The cooperation covers the development and production of high-speed rolling stock, including the transfer of technology related to aluminum double-deck rail vehicles produced by the Japanese-Italian manufacturer.
The arrangement is designed to increase the participation of Polish industry in future train production while strengthening domestic expertise in advanced rail technologies.
PESA would also be responsible for maintaining the trains throughout their operational lifecycle, providing long-term support for the fleet.
Shinkansen And ETR1000 Among Proposed Solutions
For the PKP Intercity tender, the consortium is expected to offer high-speed train technology based on either the Shinkansen platform used in Japan or the ETR1000 trains currently operating in Italy.
Both train families are recognized internationally for their performance, reliability and ability to operate on high-speed rail networks.
The proposal would allow Poland to benefit from proven technology already in service on some of the world’s most advanced railway systems.
Production Planned In Two Phases
According to the partners, production would be carried out in two stages. The initial firm order of 20 trains would be manufactured at Hitachi Rail facilities in Italy.
If PKP Intercity exercises its option for an additional 35 trains, PESA’s role in production would gradually increase, with a growing share of manufacturing activities transferred to Poland.
The phased approach is intended to ensure efficient delivery of the first units while allowing time for technology transfer and industrial preparation within the Polish rail sector.
Major Tender Attracts Strong Industry Interest
PKP Intercity launched the tender in December for the acquisition of 20 high-speed trains with an option for 35 additional units. The new fleet is intended to operate on the future high-speed rail network currently under development in Poland.
The trains must be capable of reaching speeds of 320 km/h, making them among the fastest passenger trains ever introduced in the country.
In April, PKP Intercity confirmed that eight companies had expressed interest in the project, including two Polish manufacturers, highlighting the scale and strategic importance of the procurement process.
Competition Intensifies As Other Alliances Shift
The announcement comes shortly after reports that Polish rolling stock manufacturer Newag and the local subsidiary of Siemens Mobility had ended their preliminary cooperation agreement for the same tender.
The two companies had signed a memorandum of understanding in January but later decided to discontinue their partnership after failing to reach an agreement on the terms of cooperation.
With PESA and Hitachi Rail now formally aligned, competition for the contract is expected to intensify as manufacturers position themselves for a project that will play a central role in the future of high-speed rail travel in Poland.
