Estonian rail operator AS Eesti Liinirongid (Elron) and Škoda Group have officially unveiled the new electric train that will be introduced into service in Estonia. A total of 16 modern units will serve the Tallinn metropolitan area and the country’s newly electrified lines. The first train will enter service on December 15, after being presented to the public in Tallinn on November 29.
The 16 trains — 11 for long distances and 5 for suburban services — have already been manufactured, with the total value of the contract amounting to approximately EUR 147 million.
A new step in the modernization of rail transport in Estonia
“A new chapter has begun in Estonian rail transport. The electric trains produced by the Škoda Group demonstrate our technological capabilities and experience in modern mobility projects,” said Tomáš Ignačák, Vice-Chairman of the Škoda Group Board of Directors.
“All trains are complete, have undergone rigorous certification directly on Estonian infrastructure, and will be gradually introduced into service,” he added.
According to Elron Board Chairman Lauri Betlem, “the number of train passengers has doubled in the last 12 years, reaching eight million annually. To provide a better experience, we will introduce the 16 suburban and long-distance trains manufactured by Škoda Group over the next year. Initial passenger feedback has been extremely positive.”
RegioPanter trains fully adapted to the specifics of Estonia
The new units are based on the RegioPanter model, but fully adapted to the Estonian railway network:
- 1520 mm wide gauge
- 3 kV DC / 25 kV 50 Hz AC dual power supply
- length of approximately 85 meters
Onboard comfort includes:
- air conditioning
- modern audio-video information system
- Wi-Fi, 230V and USB sockets
- dedicated spaces for people with reduced mobility, strollers, and bicycles
A special design feature: the interior can be reconfigured seasonally, for example, increasing the capacity for bicycles in the summer.
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