Trako 2025

TRAKO is one of the most important events in Central and Eastern Europe focused on rail transport. Like in previous years, the latest exhibition was full of presentations of new products and trends in this sector, which is currently facing tough times in Europe.

The exhibition in Gdańsk

Operating in the rail freight sector today is a major challenge. This was evident during 23–26 September 2025, when the largest exhibition of its kind in the region was held on the Baltic coast in Gdańsk. More than 600 exhibitors from 30 countries presented themselves on an exhibition space of over 31,000 m². Slovakia was represented by ZSSK CARGO, which shared a stand with the logistics company Budamar. Both companies are active on the Polish market through their stake in Inter Cargo.

The year 2025 also marks the 100th anniversary of the Polish State Railways. The fair thus provided an opportunity for more than 23,000 visitors to meet at exhibition stands, business negotiations and over 70 professional side events.

Trends in freight rail and the growing role of Polish ports

For Slovak rail freight transport, Poland plays a key role. The ports of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Szczecin are especially important as entry points for bulk commodities such as coal.

Coal, however, is experiencing a sharp decline across Europe, along with other traditional commodities such as ore, steel and timber. The future lies in a more diversified freight structure: chemical products (fuels, fertilizers), agricultural commodities (grains, oilseeds), building materials and the automotive sector. Block trains will dominate, while smaller shipments will increasingly shift to intermodal transport – both overseas in maritime containers and inland through swap bodies and semi-trailers on wagons.

Poland, however, remains highly attractive for intermodal flows thanks to its strong investment in port development. A key example is the newly opened (June 2025) Baltic Hub T3 terminal, with a capacity of 1.5 million TEU per year. The quay, more than 700 metres long, can handle vessels with a draft of 17 metres. Together with terminals T1 and T2, it offers an alternative to congested routes through Rotterdam, Hamburg or Slovenia’s Koper.

The port of Gdynia is also being upgraded to accommodate larger vessels and already offers Ro-Ro services for semi-trailers from Sweden. Szczecin is building new quays for bulk commodities and new sidings for chemicals, timber and other cargoes. With new rail connections and stations near Polish ports, opportunities arise for ZSSK CARGO – both for Slovak imports and exports as well as for positioning Poland as a transit hub within the Three Seas Initiative, linking the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Seas.

At the time of the exhibition, however, the atmosphere was sombre. The closure of the border with Belarus halted hundreds of freight trains along the East–West axis. This situation has only reinforced the perspective of the North–South corridor, which appears more promising for Polish rail freight in connection with Slovakia.

Freight locomotives at TRAKO 2025

When it comes to freight traction, the number of novelties at the fair was limited, as the strong growth of passenger transport in Poland dominated the outdoor tracks. Nevertheless, three locomotives attracted attention:

• PESA Bydgoszcz unveiled the third generation of its four-axle Gama locomotives. The Gama 3.0 version is dual-voltage (3 kV DC and 25 kV AC), with an output of 5.6 MW, a tractive effort of 300 kN and a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Its dual-power variant combines 2.8 MW electric output with a 2 MW diesel engine (HVO-capable), reaching 120 km/h in diesel mode.
• NEWAG Nowy Sącz exhibited its six-axle Dragon 2 locomotives, painted in Polish national colours and the livery of leasing company Akiem. These units are configured for both Slovak voltage systems and already have approval for operation in Slovakia. With 5 MW of power, a tractive effort of 420 kN and a top speed of 140 km/h, they are well suited to steep gradients and frequent stops. They are also equipped with a last-mile module (0.5 MW diesel) for shunting at sidings and ports.
• Alstom presented a multi-system Traxx locomotive for PCC Intermodal. Offering 6 MW of power, 320 kN of tractive effort and a maximum speed of 160 km/h, it can operate under 1.5 kV DC, 3 kV DC, 15 kV/16.7 Hz and 25 kV/50 Hz systems, making it ideal for East–West corridors extending to the Benelux and France.

Freight wagons at TRAKO 2025

In terms of freight wagons, three manufacturers were present:

• Tatravagónka Poprad (Slovakia) – in addition to its Tagnpps grain wagon, it introduced the new intermodal wagon TVP BOX Carrier. Designed for swap bodies and containers of various types, it features a tare weight of 30.8 t, a payload capacity of 149.2 t and can be loaded up to 32 t per axle. On the double wagon, the company also presented its Scrapbox container from the TVPtainer series, intended for scrap, wood chips and bulk materials (7.2 t, 73 m³), with an anti-lift system for unloading safety.
• Kolowag (Bulgaria) – presented its Eamnos 57 m³ open wagon.
• Đuro Đaković (Croatia) – showcased its Faccnpps hopper wagon.