PKP Intercity has begun a series of interoperability tests for its Pendolino unit ED250-001 on Czech rail infrastructure.
The current tests are being conducted in cooperation with České dráhy and are focused on verifying technical compatibility between the ED250 series and the Czech network. While the ED250 fleet has been approved for operations in the Czech Republic since November 2022, further practical assessments are required to support future deployment plans. Longer operational exercises on Czech tracks are scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
The Pendolino trains used by PKP Intercity are approved for cross-border traffic with Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic. The ED250 units are equipped to operate under both 25 kV AC 50 Hz and 3 kV DC systems and are authorised to run at speeds of up to 160 km/h in the Czech Republic.
PKP Intercity is currently focusing on domestic services, with the ED250 fleet operating on national routes during the 2025/2026 timetable. The company is also working with neighbouring operators to develop cross-border offers, including future services to the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, and Lithuania.
