Polish Locomotives in Lebanon
31.03.2026
Among the many diverse threads of Polish-Lebanese relations, an unexpected but surprisingly interesting topic arises - trains. A connection which is made clear by the story of the Polish-made diesel locomotives that Lebanon purchased in the 1970s.
The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Beirut is working to raise awareness of the use of locomotives, a Polish industrial achievement, on the Lebanese railway network – once a pioneer in the Middle East. In cooperation with the General Directorate of Railways and the Public Transport Authority of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Works and Transport, we are promoting the fact that Polish SU45 locomotives were exported to Lebanon and establishing Polish-Lebanese cooperation to educate the public in this area.
From 1970 to 1976, the Hipolit Cegielski Metal Works in Poznań produced versatile and technologically advanced SU45 diesel locomotives, nicknamed "Fiat" by railway workers as the engine that they used was licensed from an Italian automotive manufacturer. The Lebanese State Railways of that time (CEL) planned to purchase a dozen such locomotives, but the civil war interrupted further deliveries. Ultimately, three SU45 diesel locomotives, type 301Dc, manufactured in 1975, arrived in Lebanon.
The locomotives were shipped to Lebanon in the summer of 1976 and took a month to arrive, following a route that passed through what was then Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Syria. Together with the locomotives, the shipment included freight wagons with spare parts. The convoy included a crew of technicians from the Cegielski Works, who had settled in Beirut to train Lebanese railway workers in the operation and maintenance of the machines. The SU45 locomotives were considered reliable by local railway workers.
The Polish locomotives survived the Lebanese Civil War and remained in service until 1997, primarily for freight transport. Currently, the locomotives are located at a military base in Beirut, unused but still operational.
During several visits by Embassy representatives to the military base where the Polish locomotives are currently located, the importance of such past projects in strengthening the current ties between the two countries was emphasised.
The Embassy of Poland is in the process of organising an event promoting the presence of Polish locomotives in Lebanon. An exhibition of photographs illustrating the Lebanese railway network and Polish rolling stock over the years is planned at the former Baabda railway station. Additionally, a feature film dedicated to the production, operation, and export of locomotives to Lebanon will be presented. The event will be held in collaboration with Lebanese non-governmental organizations dedicated to preserving railway heritage, as well as Polish and Lebanese railway enthusiasts.
The story of the Polish locomotives sold to Lebanon is an intriguing tale, told in the documentary "A tribute from Beirut. The pride of Polish engineers." directed by engineer and railway enthusiast Michał Bis.
