At the AMBEREXPO exhibition center in Gdańsk, Poland, today began the 16th edition of one of the most important European railway technology fairs – TRAKO 2025. This year’s edition should be record-breaking in terms of participation – more than 600 exhibitors from 30 countries are presenting at the fair. The Czech railway industry is participating in the fair with significant representation – more than forty exhibitors from the Czech Republic are presented here. The Czech railway industry is presenting its activities here both within the official exposition of the Czech Republic under the auspices of ACRI and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, as well as through individual exhibition stands.
Marie Vopálenská, CEO of ACRI – Association of the Czech Railway Industry: She emphasized that the Czech railway industry is a key sector of the economy, which has demonstrated growth and stability even in challenging times. “The symbol of the success and growth of the Czech railway industry is innovation. Innovation contributes not only to the development of modern mobility but also to the overall improvement of the environment we live in. It is also one of the main reasons why the Czech railway industry is able to succeed even in the most demanding markets.”
The Czech industry presents hot novelties and the most important innovations at TRAKO
On the railway tracks of the exhibition grounds, among others, the following vehicles are presented. All of them represent significant novelties of pan-European importance in the field of railway and urban zero-emission mobility.
The new generation of BEMU RegioPanter battery trains from Škoda Group for České dráhy and the Moravian-Silesian Region, which combine electric and battery propulsion and allow a zero-emission mobility solution also on non-electrified lines. During travel, they are continuously recharged from the overhead line, and on sections without electric traction they use energy from batteries with a range of up to 80 kilometers. The maximum speed of the trainsets is 160 km/h under the catenary and 120 km/h in pure battery mode. Thanks to energy recuperation during braking, the batteries are recharged even outside electrified sections. This is a fast and efficient solution for introducing faster, more comfortable and zero-emission connections on lines that are still awaiting electrification.
The ForCity Plus 52T tram – the latest tram from the production of Škoda Group. This model produced for the capital city of Prague is an example of a new generation of urban transport vehicles designed for the needs of European metropolises of the 21st century. 100% low-floor – adapted to handle operation in the most demanding conditions of public transport in European cities – from historical centers with sharp curves and narrow streets to lines with steep gradients.
ComfortJet for České dráhy – Polish premiere of a high-speed trainset for speeds up to 230 km/h from the production of the Siemens and Škoda Group consortium – including the interior equipped with Comfort (1st class) and Flexio (2nd class) seats from the production of BORCAD, a leading European manufacturer of railway seats based in Fryčovice.
In addition to vehicles, companies of the Czech railway industry exhibit other innovative products and technologies
AMiT (exposition A28)
It shows the latest passenger information systems consisting of TFT and LED displays, audio systems and cameras. An innovation is the so-called “split HMI” – a solution of an on-board display (Human Machine Interface) where the computing unit is separated from the display panel. This allows for modern and space-saving cab design. AMiT further presents Wi-Fi routers with support for 5G and Wi-Fi 6, the modular control system ADiS4 and new products of the companies Bustec and Top Power.
AŽD (exposition A29)
It shows comprehensive solutions of railway signaling and control – from conventional systems to ETCS L1 and L2. Among the exhibits are the LEA-2 unit (intended for control and operation of switchable Eurobalises used in the European train control system), the VZ200 point lock, the LCS remote control system, the GTN extension with the function of automatic route setting and the new signal for the Polish infrastructure manager PKP PLK. The presentation also includes diagnostic systems and the results of testing of a self-driving – autonomous train on its own test track Kopidlno–Dolní Bousov.
BONATRANS (exposition A46)
At the stand of Bonatrans, a European leader in the production of wheelsets for railway vehicles, the latest stress-optimized wheel BONA830EM is exhibited, designed for modern freight wagons with an axle load of 25 tons and demanding operating conditions. The weight-optimized monoblock with a diameter of 920 mm offers an extension of service life by up to 30%, thanks to the improved quality of BONASTAR®ER7 steel and the reduced wear groove by 10 mm. Service life is also helped by the BONACOAT®C3 coating system, reliable corrosion protection. This wheel design also already takes into account the experience of operating wheels braked by composite brake blocks and is therefore suitable for most of the European wagon fleet. Products for passenger transport are represented by the rubber-sprung wheel GHH®V60 with an aluminum disc, which was applied in the HFX project on high-floor trams for Duisburg and Düsseldorf.
BORCAD (joint exposition ACRI, B07)
BORCAD, a leading European manufacturer of seats for trains, is exhibiting at the TRAKO fair – the VISIO and FLEXIO seats. The VISIO seat is in the colors of the largest Polish regional train operator – Koleje Mazowieckie, to which BORCAD has delivered or will deliver seats for up to 130 Stadler Flirt units. For the same operator, there are also PESA units, again with BORCAD VISIO seats. On the exhibition tracks, this type of seat can be seen in the BEMU RegioPanter unit from Škoda Group for the Moravian-Silesian Region in the Czech Republic.
The second seat presented at TRAKO will be the BORCAD FLEXIO UNIVERSAL. This will be used for the first time in serial production of PESA units intended for Regiojet on the R9 line between Brno and Prague. On the exhibition tracks, it can be seen as part of the presentation of the Siemens Vectrain concept, the entire portfolio of BORCAD’s seat offerings for long-distance trains. As already mentioned, the project ComfortJet of České dráhy (Siemens and Škoda Group consortium) can also be seen, where BORCAD supplies seats for the bistro car, first class Comfort seats and second class FLEXIO seats.
CZ LOKO, a.s. (exposition A15)
A private Czech manufacturer of railway vehicles, specializing in the development, production and comprehensive service in the segment of universal, dual and shunting vehicles. The products of CZ LOKO are designed with an emphasis on reliability, efficiency and safety.
At the TRAKO 2025 fair in Gdańsk, it exhibits with the aim of strengthening its position in Poland, which is one of the interesting export targets for it. The company’s representatives want to personally meet potential customers, partners and industry experts to present their technological solutions and discuss possibilities of future cooperation.
At the fair it presents its key locomotives, which demonstrate the top of the field. Among them is the EffiShunter 300, a reliable and powerful shunting locomotive ideal for efficient work at stations and sidings. Furthermore, it is the EffiShunter 1000, a universal locomotive that has proven itself both in shunting and in light line service. And it will also present the innovative DualShunter 2000, a hybrid locomotive combining diesel and electric drive, which offers maximum flexibility and ecological operation.
DAKO-CZ (exposition C02)
At this year’s edition of the TRAKO fair, the company DAKO-CZ presents novelties and innovations in the field of complete equipment of bogies of passenger railway cars. Recently, it has implemented a number of significant projects, including deliveries of braking systems and components for passenger cars of the Spanish company TALGO, German Siemens or České dráhy. An example of cooperation is then the presentation of the new Škoda ForCity Plus 52T tram for Prague, produced by Škoda Transportation, which is equipped with electromechanical brake units and DAKO rail brakes.
Part of the exposition is also the presentation of an innovated digital distributor and new brake components developed according to the UIC standard. Visitors can also look forward to detailed information on the development of electromechanical brakes and other technological solutions that move modern railway transport forward.
MSV Elektronika (exposition A31)
MSV Elektronika presents a new generation of LED lights BKS25 and control systems, continuing the company’s long-term program focused on modern lighting solutions in railway vehicles.
OLTIS Group (exposition A34)
The OLTIS Group, a leading European supplier of software solutions for transport and logistics, will offer not only Polish partners many years of experience with digital integration of information systems of its own development and third parties. The solutions cover all key segments – rail freight and passenger transport, intermodal transport and direct connection to European railway infrastructure managers through standardized TAF/TAP TSI interfaces. All in accordance with the requirements of the NIS2 directive. The solutions supplied by OLTIS Group coordinate the flow of information between all participants in transport and thus enable reliable and efficient implementation of national and international transport.
Pars Komponenty (exposition E85)
It presents door and window systems for international customers: double-leaf sliding doors with an extendable ramp for the modernized M31 tram operated in Gothenburg or a driver’s cab door for the Swedish Civity Nordic train of the operator Krösatågen.
A novelty are fixed windows with GSM 5G signal permeability for the Dart+ train operated by Irish Rail, which allow high-quality internet connection. Pars Komponenty also exhibits a window for the Push-pull train (Škoda 13Ev for České dráhy) and a window for the Polish manufacturer Newag (Impuls3 project, Koleje Śląskie).
Passengera (joint exposition ACRI, B07)
At the TRAKO fair, Passengera presents a new generation of multifunctional devices Passengera G8 with a containerization platform for edge computing, already used by the carrier PKP Intercity. In addition to standard products, it will offer demonstrations of software solutions for premium connectivity and infotainment portals. A novelty is also the presentation of a hardware-independent platform for passenger information systems (PIS).
ReDat Recording (joint exposition ACRI, B07)
It presents systems for recording and analysis of voice, text and image, usable for example in the investigation of extraordinary events. They enable synchronization of recordings and multi-channel playback from multiple sources, also with map display.
Retex (joint exposition ACRI, B07)
It exhibits certified insulating materials from recyclates with high utility properties and fireproof layers for railway seats. The company’s products combine sustainability with full certification for use in rail vehicles.
SKD Trade (joint exposition ACRI, B07)
For more than 25 years it has been developing, producing and modernizing spare parts for trams and diesel locomotives. It is an authorized manufacturer of original parts for ČKD vehicles and cooperates with AŽD on projects of equipping railway vehicles with the mobile part of ETCS.
Škoda Group (expositions A43, TB04, TZ30 and TZ42)
As already mentioned above, on the outdoor railway tracks the new generation of battery units (BEMU RegioPanter) for České dráhy and the Moravian-Silesian Region is on display, which combine electric and battery propulsion and allow a zero-emission mobility solution also on non-electrified lines. Also presented is a new-generation tram for Prague (Škoda ForCity Plus 52T), an exposition focused on the development of digital technologies including a new project of supplying an anti-collision system for Poland, as well as novelties in the field of its own ETCS train control system. At the same time, Škoda Group presents a modern sleeper interior module for double-deck night trains, which will run in Finland from Helsinki to the north to Rovaniemi. On the exhibition tracks, there is also a ComfortJet high-speed trainset of České dráhy, in whose production Škoda Group participates in a consortium with Siemens.
T-CZ (joint exposition ACRI, B07)
The company T-CZ presents itself at the TRAKO 2025 fair with innovative solutions focused on safety, autonomy and modern communication on the railway. A key part of the exposition is advanced video signal analysis for increased safety and support of autonomous operation, predictive diagnostics as a modern tool for efficient maintenance and service and a new vehicle radio station VS87 integrated into a 19″ rack.
VÚKV (joint exposition ACRI, B07)
VÚKV a.s., a Czech company specialized in research, development and testing of rail vehicles, presents at the TRAKO fair its services in the field of design, computational support and accredited testing. It offers comprehensive solutions from the design and testing of bogies, vehicles and their parts to consultations with manufacturers, carriers and infrastructure managers. The company is accredited to carry out type tests of rail vehicles and containers according to TSI, EN and UIC and is a long-term holder of the prestigious Top Rating 1 certificate from Dun & Bradstreet, confirming its stability and credibility.
At the TRAKO 2025 fair, VÚKV will focus on meetings with Polish business partners and professional visitors with the aim of strengthening cooperation and sharing experience in the field of development and testing of railway technology.
Výzkumný a zkušební ústav Plzeň (VZÚ Plzeň) (joint exposition ACRI, B07)
It presents its activities of an accredited test laboratory for type tests of rail vehicles and components according to TSI, EN and UIC. Special emphasis is placed on research of strength and vibration resistance and on innovative surface treatments using thermal spray and cold spray technologies.
Wikov Group (exposition E39)
It exhibits two gearboxes – GGT440/481 for the Polish electric locomotive Griffin and the AWDC6XXH gearbox for low-floor trams. The company will also present its wide range of service activities, which it has strengthened by investing in modern equipment at its plant in Mosbach, Germany. Wikov has long-standing references in Poland, for example in the cities of Gdańsk, Poznań, Wrocław and Warszawa.
ZKL Bearings CZ (exposition E53)
At the international TRAKO fair in Gdańsk, ZKL, a leading European bearing manufacturer, presents its complete range of solutions for railway applications. The offer includes axle roller bearings type WJ/WJP for freight wagons, railway roller and tapered units, double-row spherical roller bearings for locomotive axles and bearings for traction motors.
ZKL bearings, thanks to their high quality, wide assortment and long-standing experience, prove to be reliable solutions even in the most demanding operating conditions. The company continuously focuses on the development and production of bearings supporting efficient and safe operation of rail vehicles.
The offer also includes bearing refurbishment, which brings customers cost savings, higher maintenance efficiency and at the same time contributes to sustainable development of rail transport.
At the TRAKO fair, the Czech railway industry presents itself as a center of innovation of the European railway and a strong partner of leading manufacturers and carriers. Products of Czech companies find application from complete vehicles through components and digital technologies to research solutions. Thanks to innovativeness and high quality, the Czech railway industry is asserting itself in a number of countries, with Poland being one of its key export markets.
The Czech railway industry accounts for approximately 2% of the GDP of the Czech Republic and its total revenues reached CZK 133 billion in 2024. The share of export activities amounts to 50%.
