LITHUANIAN operator LTG Link has secured loans totalling €200m for 15 new passenger trains. Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) will each lend €100m.
LTG Link agreed a framework contract worth €226.5m with Stadler last June for up to 54 electric and battery Flirt trains, and at the same time made a first call-off for 15 trains. These sets will replace diesel-powered units with nine EMUs configured for inter-city services, while six battery-electric trains (BEMUs) will be introduced on non-electrified branch lines.
Stadler will also provide technical support and spare parts for 10 years from delivery of the final vehicle under the contract.
Testing of the new trains in Lithuania is scheduled to start next year, with entry into passenger service expected in mid-2026. They will operate on the Vilnius - Klaipėda, Vilnius - Varėna and Kaunas - Siauliai routes.
“We are taking another step towards a clean transport future by fulfilling the Group's commitment to contribute to the development of a sustainable transport system in Lithuania,” says LTG CEO Mr Egidijus Lazauskas. “This requires integrated solutions that include both infrastructure projects and services for passengers and businesses.”
“Sustainable transport is a high priority for us,” says EIB vice-president Mr Thomas Östros. “The transition to an electrified railway fleet will benefit both passengers and the environment. As the EU climate bank, we are committed to meeting the European Union's climate goals and the partnership with LTG Link and NIB is a good example of this.”
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