Alstom has delivered three third-generation Traxx Universal multi-system locomotives to Captrain Polska, strengthening the rail freight operator’s ability to run cross-border services across Europe. The locomotives are approved for operation in Poland, Germany, Austria, France, Belgium and Luxembourg, allowing Captrain Polska to operate international freight services without the need for locomotive changes at national borders.
The delivery supports Captrain Polska’s strategy to expand its fleet with company-owned rolling stock. The operator has previously leased Traxx locomotives in MS2 and DC2 configurations for more than a decade. The new Traxx MS3 locomotives will begin operations in September on routes connecting Poland, Germany, France and Belgium.
The locomotives are particularly suited to the East-West freight corridor, which has been identified as a strategic priority for the Captrain group. Their multi-country approvals provide greater flexibility in planning international freight movements and help reduce technical barriers associated with cross-border operations.
“The Traxx Universal locomotives delivered to Captrain Polska provide greater flexibility for international rail freight operations, eliminating technical barriers and the need to change locomotives at borders,” said Beata Rusinowicz, Managing Director of Alstom Poland. “We are proud that the expertise of our Polish team contributed to the successful delivery of this project, with the locomotives’ car-body shells manufactured in Wrocław.”
Paweł Szczapiński, CEO of Captrain Polska, said the acquisition was an important step in complementing the company’s existing fleet with its own rolling stock. He added that the approval of the locomotives across countries where Captrain companies operate provides an important competitive advantage and supports both the company’s Polish development strategy and the wider Rail Logistics Europe strategy.
The Traxx Universal platform is designed for both passenger and freight applications and is available in AC, DC and multi-system configurations. The third-generation locomotives can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h and are capable of handling heavier trains compared with other locomotives in their class.
Captrain Polska’s locomotives are equipped with Alstom’s Onvia onboard signalling system, incorporating European Train Control System (ETCS) technology. This supports cross-border operation and compliance with European signalling requirements. The Traxx Universal platform has been approved in 20 countries and locomotives using the platform collectively cover more than 300 million kilometres annually. Alstom has produced more than 6,000 locomotives since 2000 for customers across Europe, Asia, North America and Africa.
Alstom also provides locomotive maintenance and services globally, with more than 2,450 locomotives under maintenance. The company has delivered more than 300 ETCS projects worldwide using its Onvia technology, covering more than 25,000 onboard units and 23,000 kilometres of railway lines. A Traxx Universal locomotive for Captrain will also be displayed at InnoTrans 2026.
