The Baltic countries are discussing the launch of two new international railway routes that could significantly improve transportation links between Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Daugavpils will be the central point of these projects.
As Raitis Nešpors, the chairman of the board of the company Pasažieru vilciens, stated on TV24, there is currently good cooperation among the carriers of all three Baltic countries, and active negotiations are underway regarding new connections.
Two Possible Directions
According to Nešpors, one of the discussed routes is an extension of the existing Tallinn – Tartu – Riga service further southeast in Latvia: Tallinn – Tartu – Daugavpils.
Additionally, the popular route Vilnius – Riga – Tallinn may receive an alternative option: Vilnius – Daugavpils – Tallinn.
The head of Pasažieru vilciens noted that these plans do not pertain to the distant future: the launch of the Vilnius – Daugavpils – Tallinn route could become possible as early as the end of this year or the beginning of next.
Meanwhile, the train on the Tallinn – Tartu – Daugavpils line, under an optimistic scenario, could start operating as early as summer.
At the same time, Nešpors emphasizes that much depends on the decisions of partners in Estonia and Lithuania.
Electric Trains and Infrastructure in Latvia
Speaking about the development of railways within the country, Nešpors confirmed that by 2029, new battery-powered electric trains should start operating in Latvia. For example, a charging station is planned to be created on the route to Daugavpils, where the train will stop for about 10 minutes to recharge before continuing its journey.
He also explained why Latvia is not purchasing new diesel trains: the decision to switch to battery trains was related to the European "green course," and EU funding was only provided for environmentally friendly models.
A New Chance for the Region
If the projects are implemented, Daugavpils could become an important railway hub between the three Baltic capitals, and residents of Latvia will gain new convenient routes for travel and business trips.
Leave a comment