The agreement covers the development and production of high-speed rolling stock, a joint offer for double-deck trains and the transfer of selected technologies to Poland. PESA is Poland’s largest rail vehicle manufacturer.
One of the main elements is joint participation in PKP Intercity’s tender for 20 electric multiple units capable of operating at at least 320 km/h. The tender also includes an option for 35 additional trains and 30 years of maintenance.
The partners plan to offer Hitachi Rail’s ETR1000 high-speed train. Under the proposed production model, the first 20 units would be manufactured at Hitachi Rail facilities in Italy. PESA’s role would then gradually increase, with partial localisation of production in Bydgoszcz. PESA would also be responsible for technical maintenance of the trains in Poland.
The cooperation also includes technology transfer in areas such as aluminium carbody welding and the construction of double-deck trains. New production halls are planned in Bydgoszcz, which is expected to become a local centre for these technologies.
“Our collaboration with Hitachi Rail, a global pioneer in high-speed rail and a leader in innovative railway technologies, marks a historic moment for us,” said Krzysztof Zdziarski, CEO of PESA Bydgoszcz. He said the agreement is not only linked to the PKP Intercity bid, but also to future production of double-deck trains for Central and Eastern Europe.
For Hitachi Rail, the agreement expands its role in Poland beyond its existing focus on digital and interoperable ERTMS signalling systems.
“The agreement with PESA Bydgoszcz is a key element of our development in the Polish rolling stock market,” said Paweł Przyżycki, CEO of Hitachi Rail in Poland.
The companies say the partnership is intended to cover further markets in Central and Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. The future portfolio may also be expanded to inter-regional and metro trains.
