POLISH long-distance operator PKP Intercity has submitted an application to the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to help fund the equipping of 104 locomotives with ERTMS between 2022 and 2026.
PKP Intercity intends to raise €4.24m for the project. In the first stage, the application was submitted under the Connecting Europe Facility 2021-2027 (CEF 2) and positively assessed by the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy. The proposal is now awaiting evaluation by the European Commission (EC), with a decision expected in June.
The main objectives of the CEF are to build, develop, modernise and complete trans-European networks in the transport, energy and digital sectors. The transport budget is €25.8bn, of which €12.83bn is a global envelope available to all European Union countries.
PKP issued an expanded development and investment strategy, including an increase in its investment budget from Zlotys 19bn ($US 4.7bn) to Zlotys 27bn earlier this month. This will enable the operator to offer more reliable timetables and double service levels.
CEF funding is one of several sources of financing PKP Intercity is using is as part of its extended investment strategy. Other sources include its own funds, settlement of funds obtained under the Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020, use of a loan granted by the European Investment Bank, funds from the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment programme, funds from the National Reconstruction Plan, bond issues and investment loans.
