POLAND: PKP Intercity has called tenders for the supply and maintenance of 20 electric multiple-units capable of operating at up to 250 km/h.

Bids are due by September 25, and PKP Intercity expects to take delivery of the first 14 trains by May 2012, with the rest to arrive by the start of 2013.

The trains should be around 200 m long, with 380 to 420 business, first and standard class seats. They are required to be capable of operating on 3 kV DC, 15 kV 16·7 Hz and 25 kV 50 Hz electrified routes in Poland, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic.

Tilting may be offered, but is not obligatory; EIB has estimated track upgrades and tilt could cut Warszawa - Gdansk journey times from more than 4 h to less than 2½ h.