PKP investments delayed due to the lack of KPO approval
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polski
Conflicts with the EU bodies over the Polish rule of law delay investments by the KPO (Poland’s Reconstruction Plan) approval – by which, the railways will suffer. In 2021, PKP PLK will spend several times less money than planned originally. Instead of 60 tenders for 17 billion, tenders for only 3 billion will be conducted.
Many tenders were to be carried out with EU money. KPO funds are withheld, and the FEnIKS program (continuation of the Infrastructure and Environment program) is still at the overall design stage – the availability of funds under the program is also a question of the more distant future.
This creates a problem for railroad workers who struggle with inactivity and layoffs. Aditionally, recently revised regulations contribute to more environmental complaints.
In need of renovation
Railways are also struggling with outdated equipment – the average age of the PKP Intercity locomotive is 33 years, and there are many vehicles in use, that were purchased in the times of the Polish People’s Republic. For this reason, the European Commission agreed to use EUR 93 million for the modernization of the rolling stock of the Polish railway carrier.
In January this year, PKP Intercity has announced an investment program valued at PLN 7 billion, the purpose of which is to replace the rolling stock. Under the program, PKP Intercity is to purchase 12 and modernize 14 electric multiple units, buy 118 electric locomotives, and modernize almost 200 electric and diesel locomotives. The plans also include the modernization of 700 and the purchase of 185 modern wagons.
