Orlen Kolej Boosts Polish Rail Freight with Order for 40 New Electric Locomotives

Orlen Kolej, one of Poland’s leading freight rail operators, has announced a major investment in modernizing its locomotive fleet with the procurement of 40 new electric locomotives. Valued at over PLN 800 million, the contracts were signed with two of Poland’s top rolling stock manufacturers, Pesa and Newag, underscoring the strategic importance of domestic suppliers in supporting the country’s rail infrastructure ambitions. This substantial order is one of the largest locomotive acquisitions in recent years within the Polish rail‑freight sector and signals Orlen Kolej’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, sustainability, and reliability across its network. By investing in state-of-the-art traction, the company aims to better meet growing freight demand driven by economic expansion, energy logistics, and the broader EU push for greener transport alternatives.

The addition of 40 modern electric locomotives is expected to significantly expand Orlen Kolej’s hauling capacity while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. Electric traction is inherently cleaner than diesel, supporting the company’s efforts to lower carbon emissions and align with EU climate targets, which include a modal shift from road to rail for freight transport. The new locomotives will be equipped with advanced digital controls, energy‑efficient systems, and improved braking and traction technologies, allowing for smoother, faster, and safer operation. Furthermore, they are designed for interoperability across Poland’s electrified mainlines, enabling Orlen Kolej to optimize routing, reduce delays, and increase the frequency of services on high-demand corridors. Industry analysts note that such upgrades are vital for maintaining competitiveness in the Central European rail‑freight market, where speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness increasingly determine customer choice.

From a strategic perspective, this procurement positions Orlen Kolej as a forward-looking operator in both national and regional contexts. Poland’s freight rail sector is experiencing heightened competition, with increasing volumes of energy products, chemicals, and industrial goods requiring dependable logistics solutions. By expanding its fleet with modern electric locomotives, Orlen Kolej not only strengthens its service capacity but also reinforces its long-term infrastructure resilience. The collaboration with Pesa and Newag also demonstrates Poland’s capability to support large-scale rail investments domestically, boosting local manufacturing and technological innovation. In combination, these factors suggest that Orlen Kolej is preparing to play a pivotal role in the modernization of Central European freight corridors, contributing to more efficient, sustainable, and competitive rail transport for years to come.