Piechociński: Pendolino contract may be terminated
22:50
The Pendolino train delivery contract between Poland’s state railway operator PKP and Alstom could be terminated as a result of a major business conflict, Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Janusz Piechociński told radio station RMF FM.
The supplier has failed to meet the necessary requirements, that the trains would be certified to run at the agreed on speed, Piechociński stressed. Alstom has said its trains would be certified to reach a speed of 160 km/h, while PKP had asked for 250 km/h.
In reaction to the statements, PKP announced that it is not considering terminating its contract with Alstom. It has however asked the contractor for urgent talks.
PKP has ordered twenty new Pendolino train sets worth €400 million, with the first expected to arrive in Poland in May. The first high-speed trains are expected to start operating in mid-December.
