The Baltic passenger train operators have announced the launch of a procurement for Rail Baltica regional train fleet being published in the Estonian Public Procurement Register, with a deadline for submissions of 4 May 2026.
The companies Elron (Estonia), Vivi (Latvia) and LTG Link (Lithuania) plan to jointly purchase up to 20 regional trains compatible with the European standard gauge (1,435 mm), capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h.
Under the plans, over 20 electric regional trains will be acquired, with Estonia initially procuring five units and the option to purchase two additional trains. Latvia may acquire up to five trains, while Lithuania may purchase up to eight trains.
“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.
The Rail Baltica regional trains will be over 160 metres long and provide at least 200 seats per train. Standard class seating will be arranged 2+2, while business class will be 1+2. Business class will account for 15–20% of seats and include a quiet zone. There will also be standard class and a family area. The Rail Baltica regional train fleetwill be accessible for passengers with reduced mobility, offering four spaces for wheelchairs. Additionally, the trains will include a catering area and space for 20 bicycles.
“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.
Marko Kivila, CEO of RB Rail, emphasised that this procurement represents only the first step in keeping the project on schedule. He explained that the acquisition of rolling stock demonstrates the necessary commitment to meet the project’s operational readiness deadlines. Both the trains and the tracks must be ready on time.
Progress of Rail Baltica
Currently, over 70 km of line are under construction in Estonia, including major works at the Ülemiste terminal.
In Latvia, a framework agreement covers 230 km of mainline, with active works near Iecava and ongoing construction at the Riga Central Hub and Airport terminals.
In Lithuania, construction continues on the mainline between Kaunas and Panevėžys, with 114 km expected to be under construction by the end of 2025. Nine kilometres of tracks will be laid, and the future longest railway bridge over the Neris River is beginning to take shape.
Nearly 43% of the Rail Baltica mainline is construction-ready.
The Rail Baltica corridor will comprise approximately 900 km of railway equipped with ERTMS Level 2, designed for speeds of 250 km/h for passenger trains and 120 km/h for freight.
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