AS Pasažieru vilciens has ended the procurement announced in May 2020 for eight new diesel trains, as reported by the company’s representatives.
The project has been terminated because institutions of the European Commission did not support distribution of financing for the project Modernization of passenger diesel trains’ rolling stock and because sufficient funding from the state budget was not provided.
The procurement of eight new diesel trains was commenced to replace Pasažieru vilciens’ existing DR1A model trains fitted with Zvezda engines.
Previously Pasažieru vilciens’ developed non-electrified rail lines business model provided for a gradual replacement of all diesel trains between 2022 and 2034, starting with eight new diesel trains in order to replace DR1A model trains, followed by new battery trains and bimodal train procurement.
Pasažieru vilciens representatives note that the company and Transport Ministry are looking for an environment friendly solution for the development of non-electrified lines, which would allow to attracting co-financing from the European Union.
Replacement of diesel trains with environment friendly vehicles and development of non-electrified lines is planned because of the country’s general railway transport development policy. One of the solutions may be the procurement of bi-modal or other kind of environment friendly trains.
At the same time, the company notes that manufacture of 32 new electric trains will continues, and the first Škoda Vagonka will be supplied in 2022. One new trains have been procured, Pasažieru vilciens will be able to introduce interval schedules along all electric train routes – allowing trains to course every 15 to 20 minutes in Aizkraukle, Tukums, Skulte and Jelgava direction.
As previously reported, in May 2020 Pasažieru vilciens announced a tender for the procurement of eight diesel trains. The winning company was to supply necessary maintenance equipment, as well as spare parts, as well as train maintenance personnel.
It was detailed in the contract that a single diesel train is required to have 200 to 250 seats. The length of the train is not to exceed 110 m. Trains also have to reach a speed of at least 140 km/h.
It was initially planned to supply the new diesel trains by 30 November 2033. The cost of the procurement was upwards of EUR 75 million.
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