PLN 276 million from the National Recovery Plan (KPO) for SKM train modernisation

Szybka Kolej Miejska (SKM) will modernise a large part of its train fleet thanks to a low-interest loan of PLN 276 million from the National Recovery Plan (KPO). With these funds, the Warsaw city rail operator will carry out general overhauls and full modernisations of 13 electric multiple units (EZT 27WE), known as Elfs.

The loan from the KPO offers much better conditions than those available from commercial banks. It has a very low interest rate, and the Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) does not charge any margin or commission. The agreement with BGK also ensures SKM’s financial stability for the next 15 years, during which the loan will be repaid.

The KPO loan for Szybka Kolej Miejska supports our long-term and strategic development plans, implemented in cooperation with the City of Warsaw. Our goal is to obtain external funding for major investment projects – said Maria Wasiak, CEO of Szybka Kolej Miejska.

Urban trains must undergo regular technical inspections to continue operation. SKM has already selected the contractor — a consortium of Public Transport Service sp. z o.o. (Warsaw) and Modertrans Poznań sp. z o.o. Modernisation works on the 13 EZT 27WE trains, built in 2010, have already begun.

At present, SKM operates 47 trains, including 21 Impuls II units delivered in 2022. It is the only city rail operator in Poland, providing 281 daily services on 232 km of railway lines, serving 60 stations, and offering nearly 25,000 seats during the morning peak hours.

Last year, SKM carried over 18 million passengers. For many residents of cities and towns such as Pruszków, Piaseczno, Otwock and Legionowo, the suburban trains are the main means of transport to work or school. The company’s stability is supported by a long-term contract with the City of Warsaw for passenger transport services, valid until 2039.