Poland's state railway operator PKP Intercity announced the country's first tender for trains capable of reaching speeds of 320 kilometres per hour, marking a significant step in developing the nation's high-speed rail network.

High-speed rail development in Central and Eastern Europe has lagged behind Western Europe, with infrastructure constraints and funding challenges limiting deployment of trains capable of speeds above 250km/h. Poland's procurement could signal broader regional ambitions for high-speed rail expansion.

The procurement covers 20 electric multiple units along with their maintenance and the design and construction of technical facilities, PKP Intercity announced on January 2. The tender includes an option to order an additional 35 vehicles.

The new rolling stock will enable the development of fast domestic and international rail connections and introduce improved quality of rail travel, the company said.

Poland currently operates trains at maximum speeds of 200km/h on selected routes, with the tender representing a major upgrade in the country's rail capabilities. The 320km/h trains would bring Polish railways in line with high-speed networks operating in Western European countries including France, Germany and Spain.

PKP Intercity has not disclosed the estimated value of the contract or the expected delivery timeline for the new trains. The company operates long-distance passenger services across Poland and international routes to neighbouring countries.

The tender announcement comes as Poland pursues infrastructure upgrades across its transport network, with the government prioritising rail investments to improve connectivity between major cities and cross-border links with the European Union.

Transport Minister Dariusz Klimczak and Infrastructure Minister Piotr Malepszak were tagged in the company's announcement on social media platform X.