Alstom, a global leader in railway technology, has secured a significant deal with the Polish leasing company OnTrain for the supply of at least 40 Traxx locomotives. This deal, signed in late 2024, not only strengthens Alstom’s position in Central and Eastern Europe but also signals a crucial step forward for Poland’s growing rail sector.
Deal Details and Context
Under the terms of the contract, OnTrain will receive a base order of 40 state-of-the-art Traxx electric locomotives, with options to expand this number in the future. This contract is pivotal for Poland’s railway modernization efforts, particularly as the country seeks to enhance both its freight and passenger services. OnTrain, which operates a leasing model for rolling stock, will deploy the new locomotives on various routes, contributing to the nation’s broader sustainability goals.
The Traxx series, renowned for its versatile and high-performance capabilities, is expected to play a central role in improving the efficiency of Poland’s rail network. These locomotives are designed to operate across multiple voltage systems, making them suitable for both domestic and international services, particularly freight operations that connect Poland to the rest of Europe.
Alstom’s Strategic Push in Poland and Europe
The deal highlights Alstom’s growing footprint in the European rail market, where competition is intensifying with key players like Siemens and Bombardier. Poland, with its expanding rail infrastructure and emphasis on green transport solutions, is a key market for Alstom’s Traxx locomotives. The new locomotives will support Poland’s shift towards decarbonizing its transport sector, aligning with the European Union’s broader climate targets.
This order is also a testament to the increasing demand for leasing models in the rail industry, as operators look for cost-effective solutions to modernize their fleets without the capital outlay of direct purchases. OnTrain, a relatively new player in the leasing market, benefits from flexible financial models, while Alstom secures a stable and growing client in the region.
Enhancing Poland’s Rail Connectivity
For Poland, the arrival of these locomotives will be a boost to its freight operations, which are critical to the country’s economy. Efficient freight transport is especially important for Poland, given its strategic position as a transit hub in Europe. The Traxx locomotives’ ability to operate on different rail systems will facilitate smoother cross-border logistics, benefiting international trade routes from the Port of Gdańsk to destinations across the European Union.
On the passenger side, the locomotives can support high-speed and regional services, providing better connectivity in Poland’s growing urban centers and beyond. The integration of such modern rolling stock will be instrumental as Poland looks to increase rail passenger volumes in the coming years.
Conclusion
Alstom’s deal with OnTrain for at least 40 Traxx locomotives is a significant development for both companies and Poland’s rail sector. This partnership reflects the ongoing trend of modernization and sustainability in European rail, as well as the growing importance of leasing solutions in the transport industry. As the locomotives begin to enter service, they will help transform the rail landscape in Poland, bringing enhanced efficiency, connectivity, and environmental benefits to the country’s rail network.
