Recent deals and tenders in the passenger rolling stock markets.
South Korea — National operator Korail plans to order 49 EMU-320 high-speed trains from Hyundai Rotem. The estimated cost of procuring the 16-car trainsets exceeds KRW 5 tln ($3.3 bln). The deal will also include the supply of a prototype EMU-370 train with an operating speed of 370 km/h. The acquisition of this batch has been preliminarily approved by the country’s Ministry of Economy and Finance. Korail intends to order the first 28 trains next year, with deliveries due to begin in 2032. The new rolling stock is intended to replace the first-generation KTX-I high-speed trains, supplied by Alstom from 1998 to 2004.
Canada — Its first high-speed rail (HSR) line will preliminarily require up to 60 high-speed trains. According to a report by Alto, the Crown corporation overseeing the project, 15-20 trainsets are planned to be received at the first stage. Market consultations are due to begin this summer. The 1,000 km HSR line is ultimately intended to connect Toronto and Quebec City. It will be designed for an operating speed of 300 km/h. Construction of the first 200 km section, between Ottawa and Montreal, is scheduled to begin in 2029.
Render of a high-speed train for Canada’s HSR line. Source: Alto
Poland — Alstom, Talgo, and a consortium of Hitachi Rail and Pesa are bidding to supply up to 55 high-speed electric trains to the country. The companies have submitted bids for the tender launched by national operator PKP Intercity at the end of 2025. The firm order comprises 20 trains capable of reaching 320 km/h. They are intended for the country’s high-speed rail network currently under construction. The dual-system trains are to seat up to 450 passengers.
Render of a high-speed train from Poland’s HSR network development project. Source: CPK
Czech Republic — The operator Arriva vlaky has launched a tender for the supply of seven contact-battery trains and seven electric trains. The rolling stock is intended for suburban and regional routes in the Zlín Region. Final requirements and the number of trainsets may be adjusted during negotiations. It is worth noting that the contact-battery trains (models 15Ev3 and 15Ev5) are manufactured by the local Škoda Group.
