Rail Baltica regional train fleet tender opens in Baltics

The Rail Baltica regional train fleet tender has been launched by the Baltic passenger rail operators. It has been published in the Estonian Public Procurement Register. Submissions will be accepted until 4 May 2026.

As Rail Journal reports, Elron of Estonia, Vivi of Latvia and LTG Link of Lithuania intend to carry out a joint purchase of as many as 20 regional trains. These trains will be built for the European standard gauge of 1,435 mm. They will be able to operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h.

Rail Baltica regional train fleet specifications

The plan provides for the acquisition of more than 20 electric regional trains. Estonia is set to buy five units at the outset. It also has an option for two more. Latvia could procure up to five trains. Lithuania could purchase as many as eight.

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Also, each train will be more than 160 metres long. Each one will offer at least 200 seats. Standard class will use a 2+2 seating layout. Business class will use a 1+2 layout.

In addition, business class is expected to represent 15–20% of total seating capacity. It will include a quiet zone. The trains will also feature standard class seating and a family area.

Still, accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility is included in the plan. Each train will have four wheelchair spaces. The fleet will also have a catering area. It will also provide room for 20 bicycles.

“Rail Baltica is a key project for the Baltic States because it connects us more closely with each other and with the rest of Europe. This joint procurement confirms that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are advancing this project together through concrete actions,” said Estonian Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis.

Baltic passenger train operators and joint procurement

“This is not just an investment in trains. It is an investment in connectivity, competitiveness, and the shared European future of our region. Here, on the north-eastern flank of the European Union and NATO, connectivity is not only about mobility – it is about security, resilience, and strategic autonomy,” said Kristaps Zaļais, Secretary at the Latvian Ministry of Transport.

Meanwhile, RB Rail CEO Marko Kivila said the procurement is only the first step required to keep the project on schedule. According to him, the rolling stock purchase shows the level of commitment needed to meet operational readiness deadlines. Both the trains and the infrastructure need to be completed on time.

Rail Baltica mainline construction progress

Construction is already progressing on more than 70 km of the line in Estonia. This includes major work at the Ülemiste terminal. At the same time, a framework agreement in Latvia covers 230 km of mainline. Works are active near Iecava. Construction also continues at the Riga Central Hub and Airport terminals.

As Railway Pro notes, in Lithuania, mainline construction is moving forward between Kaunas and Panevėžys. Also, 114 km are expected to be under construction by the end of 2025. Nine kilometres of track will be laid. The future longest railway bridge across the Neris River is starting to take shape.

Separately, almost 43% of the Rail Baltica mainline is ready for construction. The full corridor is planned to cover about 900 km of railway. It will be fitted with ERTMS Level 2. It is designed for passenger train speeds of 250 km/h. It is also designed for freight train speeds of 120 km/h.

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