Kraków 2025-07-29
EN57AL-1574 for Koleje Małopolskie.
Due to Poland’s deteriorating economic situation following the takeover of power by the “December 13th Coalition” (Volksdeutsche, communists, and Freemasons), regional governments are increasingly short of funds for purchasing new trains: locomotives, passenger cars, and electric multiple units (EMUs). Consequently, the secondary market has significantly revived. The EN57AL EMUs, which are not as modern but meet basic passenger requirements, have become particularly sought after. The trains are equipped with air conditioning, basic train information, closed-loop toilets, and the ability to carry up to 30 bicycles. These features prompted Koleje Małopolskie to submit an offer to purchase used EN57AL EMUs in August 2024. Despite their considerable age and design limitations, these EMUs remain an attractive addition to existing rolling stock for carriers who have the opportunity to use them.
In mid-2024, six EN57AL EMUs appeared on the secondary market, offered by the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. PolRegio and Koleje Małopolskie were interested. The latter offer came as a surprise to those familiar with the subject. Furthermore, Koleje Małopolskie’s offer was financially more advantageous. Therefore, the vehicles were sent to Kraków. Koleje Małopolskie’s decision to submit a bid in the tender for the sale of used vehicles was also based on the anticipated accumulation of higher-level inspections (P3-P5) for some of the currently used rolling stock, primarily Newag “Impuls” and Pesa “Elf.” The modernized EN57AL EMUs were considered the best available solution. 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 the trains primarily on the Kraków-Skawina-Oświęcim route. This proved to be a sound decision by Koleje Małopolskie. The company doesn’t have a large fleet of rolling stock, but aims to launch new routes and carries more passengers each year.
On its way to Kraków, the trains first went to ZNTK Mińsk Mazowiecki. In Mińsk Mazowiecki, they underwent inspections and were painted in Koleje Małopolskie’s colors. Other necessary work was also completed. The first two EMUs were introduced to the Małopolska routes in December 2024. The last painted vehicle is expected to be ready in April 2025.
It’s worth noting that on October 1, 2024, a contract was signed with Newag for the delivery of six new trains, the first part of a framework agreement that, in its maximum version, assumes the construction of up to 25 EMUs for Koleje Małopolskie. However, the first vehicles will have to wait until 2028.
The modernized EN57AL EMUs are characterized by the following parameters: an operating speed of up to 120 km/h, improved driving capabilities thanks to the use of new asynchronous motors, new two-stage gearboxes, and the use of modernized bogies with a new braking system. The train has one disabled toilet and one standard (cramped) toilet. Both toilets are closed. Sliding doors and a passenger information system have been installed. There are two doors per car. Additionally, there are doors at the front and rear of the train for staff. Air conditioning units are located on the roof of the cars, one per car, and separate air conditioning units for the drivers’ cabins.
Koleje Małopolskie has acquired six modernized EN57AL electric multiple units (EMUs) previously owned by the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The first of these began operating on the route in March 2025. These trains were numbered EN57AL-1296, EN57AL-1519, EN57AL-1522, EN57AL-1528, EN57AL-1530, and EN57AL-1574. Each unit was repainted in Koleje Małopolskie’s corporate colors (gray, blue, yellow, and black window stripes) and equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, bicycle storage, restrooms, monitoring, and power outlets. The total cost of purchasing the six trains was PLN 37.8 million. The EZTs were directed to the SKA2 Oświęcim – Skawina – Kraków – Sędziszów line and to popular holiday routes.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman