Kraków 2025-02-04

EN57AL for Koleje Małopolskie.

Due to the deteriorating economic situation in Poland, after the takeover of the government by the “December 13 coalition” (folksdeutsche, communists and freemasons), provincial governments have less and less funds to buy new trains; locomotives, passenger cars and EZTs. Therefore, the secondary market has significantly revived. EZT EN57AL, which are not as modern, but meet the basic requirements of passengers, have become particularly sought-after. The trains are equipped with air conditioning, basic railway information, closed-system toilets, as well as the possibility of carrying bicycles, up to 30 copies. These features prompted Koleje Małopolskie to submit an offer to purchase used EZT EN57ALs in August 2024. Despite their age and design limitations, the EZTs of this series are still an attractive addition to the rolling stock for carriers who have the opportunity to use them.

In mid-2024, 6 EZT EN57AL appeared on the secondary market, which were offered by the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The carriers PolRegio and Koleje Małopolskie were interested. The latter offer was a surprise to experts in the field. Moreover, Koleje Małopolskie’s offer was financially more advantageous. That is why the vehicles went to Krakow. The decision to submit an offer by Koleje Małopolskie in the tender for the sale of used vehicles also resulted from the expected accumulation of higher level inspections (P3-P5) for some of the currently used rolling stock; mainly Newag “Impuls” and Pesa “Elf”. The modernized EZT EN57AL were considered the best available solutions. As added, these vehicles enjoy a good reputation among users, are easy to use and have been proven in operation. Koleje Małopolskie intended to introduce trains mainly on the Kraków – Skawina – Oświęcim route. It was a really good decision by Koleje Małopolskie. The company does not have a large fleet of rolling stock, but it wants to launch new connections and transports more and more passengers year by year.

The trains on the way to Kraków were first delivered to ZNTK Mińsk Mazowiecki. In Mińsk Mazowiecki, they were inspected and covered in Koleje Małopolskie colours. Other necessary work was also carried out. The first two EZTs were included in the Małopolska routes in December 2024. The last covered vehicle is to be ready in April 2025.

Let us add that on 1 October 2024, a contract was signed with Newag for the delivery of 6 new trains, as the first part of the framework contract, assuming the construction of up to 25 EZTs for Koleje Małopolskie in the maximum version. However, the first vehicles will have to wait until 2028.

The modernized EZT EN57AL vehicles are characterized by the following parameters: operating speed up to 120 km/h, improved driving capabilities thanks to the use of: new asynchronous motors, new two-stage gears, the use of modernized bogies, with a new braking system. The train has one toilet for disabled people and one normal (narrow) toilet. Both toilets are in a closed system. Sliding-swing doors and a passenger information system have been installed. There are two pairs of doors in the car. Additionally, there are doors at the beginning and end of the train for service. Air conditioners are placed on the roof of the cars, one per car, and additionally separate air conditioners for the drivers’ cabins.

Written by Karol Placha Hetman