40 new freight locomotives for Poland’s growing rail market
ORLEN Kolej has ordered 40 new freight locomotives from Polish manufacturers PESA and Newag — one of the country’s largest fleet investments in recent years. The move reflects continued growth in Poland’s rail freight volumes, even as much of Europe faces stagnation.
The order includes 20 PESA 304E Gama locomotives and 20 Newag Dragon 2 units equipped with last-mile diesel modules for operation in non-electrified terminal areas. Deliveries are scheduled for 2027–28 under an operating-lease agreement with PKO Leasing. ORLEN Kolej aims to cut energy use per tonne by around 30 percent and expects the new units to support longer, heavier trains across petrochemical and intermodal routes.
Poland’s freight volumes continue to grow
Poland remains one of the few European markets where rail freight is expanding. Intermodal volumes increased again in the first half of the year, supported by strong east–west container flows, a resilient industrial base and steady domestic demand. Rising demand and pressure on existing fleets have encouraged several Polish operators to accelerate renewal programmes.
For ORLEN Kolej, which handles fuels, chemicals and container traffic, the new locomotives position the company to absorb further growth on both national corridors and cross-border routes. The investment also highlights the strength of Poland’s domestic rolling-stock industry, with both manufacturers supplying modern freight platforms already in service across the region.
Why it matters: Poland is one of the only European freight markets still showing growth, driven mainly by intermodal demand.
What’s next: Deliveries in 2027–28 will add heavy-haul capacity on key national corridors.
Watch: Whether other operators launch similar renewal programmes as volumes rise.