Newag says the Dragon 2 is the first six-axle electric locomotive in Europe to fully comply with the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI). The locomotive is equipped with silicon carbide (SiC) traction converters and ETCS Level 2.

Newag says the locomotive has a high tractive effort, an anti-wheel-slip system and an individual drive for each axle which improves its haulage capability.

PKP Intercity signed a contract with Newag on May 29 worth more than Zlotys 367m ($US 100m) for 20 Grittin electric locomotives.

“We are changing the Polish railway,” Adamczyk says. “Today we present a new locomotive, which is the fruit of the work of Polish engineers. I am very happy that thanks to the achievements of our companies, Poland’s railways are entering the 21st century. We are implementing a large investment programme on the Polish railways and today's event is proof that we are moving in the right direction.”