Poland Rail: Newag Impuls 2 EMUs Boost Silesian Voivodeship

Introduction

The Centre for EU Transport Projects (CUPT) and Koleje Śląskie have finalized a funding agreement for PLN 126.5 million (EUR 30 million) to finance 10 four-car Impuls 2 EMUs, manufactured by Newag, under the National Reconstruction Plan (KPO). The first nine trains are already in service, with successive deliveries scheduled until September 2026.

Funding and Project Details

The financing agreement between the Centre for EU Transport Projects (CUPT) and Koleje Śląskie, the regional rail operator in Poland’s Silesian Voivodeship, supports the purchase of 10 four-car Impuls 2 EMUs. The total value of the financing is PLN 126.5 million (EUR 30 million) and comes from the National Reconstruction Plan (KPO).

Train Specifications and Features

Each four-car Impuls 2 EMU is designed to operate at speeds up to 160 km/h and can accommodate up to 400 passengers, including 192 seated. The trains are equipped with air conditioning, a passenger information system, CCTV monitoring, and facilities for people with disabilities. These facilities include two wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and an induction loop. Additionally, the EMUs feature family zones with interactive games and space for up to 10 bicycles.

Operational Impact and Route Network

The new trains will serve routes such as Częstochowa – Katowice – Gliwice, Katowice – Rybnik – Racibórz, and Katowice – Tarnowskie Góry – Lubliniec, among others. With the addition of these units, the Silesian Voivodeship will operate a fleet of over 30 Impuls 2 EMUs. The total value of this fleet, including maintenance, is approximately PLN 1.5 billion (EUR 354 million), with a significant portion co-financed by EU funds.

National Context and Broader Investments

Across Poland, the KPO has co-financed the acquisition of 413 rail vehicles, including multiple units, locomotives, and wagons, representing a total investment of over PLN 5 billion (EUR 1.18 billion). Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz stated that there is an investment of PLN 60 billion (EUR 14.2 billion) in railway development through the KPO and other EU funds.

Conclusion

The funding agreement between the Centre for EU Transport Projects (CUPT) and Koleje Śląskie supports the acquisition of 10 four-car Impuls 2 EMUs. This investment, totaling PLN 126.5 million (EUR 30 million), is part of a larger initiative to modernize the railway infrastructure in Poland, with the KPO providing financial support for the purchase of various rail vehicles and overall railway development.

Company Summary

Centre for EU Transport Projects (CUPT): The CUPT is involved in financing transport projects within the European Union.

Koleje Śląskie: Koleje Śląskie is the regional rail operator in Poland’s Silesian Voivodeship.

Newag: Newag is the manufacturer of the Impuls 2 EMUs.