Latvia Invests €89.4 Million in New Battery-Electric Trains from Škoda Group to Modernize Rail and Boost Eco-Tourism

Latvia Advances Rail Modernization with Škoda Group Contract

Latvia's national transport authority, Autotransporta direkcija (ATD), officially signed an €89.4 million contract with Škoda Group on December 11 for the supply of nine battery-electric multiple-units (BEMUs). This significant investment is set to modernize the country's railway infrastructure, replace an aging diesel fleet, and promote sustainable travel, particularly for eco-tourism. The agreement also includes an option for an additional seven BEMUs, which could bring the total value of the order to approximately €160 million, along with spare parts and staff training.

The project is being financed through a combination of national government funds and the European Union's Cohesion Funds, underscoring a commitment to developing zero-emission mobility in Latvia. The first of these new trainsets are scheduled to enter service in the first half of 2029, with all nine base-order units expected to be delivered by the end of that year.

Enhanced Performance and Passenger Comfort

The new BEMUs, designed as two-car units, represent a significant upgrade to Latvia's regional rail services. They are based on Škoda's next-generation regional train platform developed specifically for the Baltic markets and will operate on the 1,520 mm gauge tracks common in Latvia.

Key technical specifications and passenger amenities include:

• Dual-voltage operation: Capable of running under both 3 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz AC power supplies.
• Maximum speed: Up to 160 km/h when using overhead electric supply and 120 km/h in battery mode.
• Seating capacity: Each unit will feature up to 188 seats, including 24 in first class with a 2+2 arrangement and 164 seats in second class with a 3+2 configuration.
• Modern amenities: Passengers will benefit from air conditioning, reduced noise and vibration, electrical sockets, and USB-C charging points.
• Accessibility: A low-floor design with a 600 mm entry height ensures comfortable boarding, and dedicated spaces are provided for eight bicycles.

These trains are primarily intended for regional services connecting Riga southeast to Daugavpils and northeast to Cēsis, where necessary charging infrastructure will be installed. The introduction of these BEMUs is expected to reduce travel times by 15 to 25 minutes compared to the current diesel loco-hauled trains.

Boosting Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Transport

The acquisition of these battery-electric trains is a strategic move by Latvia to replace its existing fleet of 23 diesel trainsets, some of which date back to the 1980s and 1990s. This transition aligns with Latvia's broader environmental goals to reduce emissions and decrease reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to the European Green Deal.

Beyond environmental benefits, the new trains are expected to significantly boost Latvia's eco-tourism sector. By offering a more efficient, comfortable, and environmentally friendly mode of transport, the BEMUs will make it easier for tourists to explore Latvia's diverse landscapes, historic towns, and cultural sites. This improved accessibility is also anticipated to encourage visits to smaller towns and less-visited areas, distributing the economic benefits of tourism more widely across the country.

Jānis Lapiņš, Chairman of the Board of ATD, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, 'Battery-powered electric trains represent a significant investment for Latvia, aimed at strengthening the role of railways as the backbone of public transport and improving the quality and accessibility of passenger transport.' If the option for the additional seven BEMUs is exercised, it would allow for the replacement of most of the remaining diesel trains and the extension of services to destinations such as Valmiera and Rēzekne.