Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 3, Lithuanian passenger transport company LTG Link and Swiss manufacturer Stadler unveiled a new FLIRT electric train at Vilnius railway station, marking the first of 15 new trains ordered under a contract signed in June 2023. The order includes nine electric trains and six battery-powered units, which will gradually replace LTG Link’s oldest diesel trains on routes such as Vilnius–Turmantas.

The new trains will enter service on the Vilnius–Klaipėda, Vilnius–Varėna–Marcinkonys, and Kaunas–Šiauliai routes from 2026 onward.

The electric train arrived at the Vilnius Intermodal Terminal several weeks ago, where its coaches were mounted on bogies and assembled into a full train set. Static testing is scheduled to begin by late October, with passenger test runs planned for 2026. The train will undergo full testing across Lithuania’s rail network to secure all necessary certifications before entering service.

Lithuania Transport and Communications Minister Juras Taminskas said: “I am delighted that soon passengers across the country – from cities to regions – will be travelling on modern Swiss electric trains. Ultimately, our focus is on creating a rail system that responds to every passenger’s needs and ensures comfort, inclusivity, and quality for all.”

The new trains will operate on routes including Vilnius–Klaipėda, Vilnius–Varėna–Marcinkonys, and Kaunas–Šiauliai, increasing LTG Link’s fleet size and supporting the country’s transport sustainability goals. These trains are expected to lower operational costs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Stadler manufactured the train at its Siedlce, Poland plant. The electric units are built for electrified lines, while battery-powered trains will run partly on overhead wires and partly on battery power, enabling operation on non-electrified sections such as Kaunas–Šiauliai and Vilnius–Marcinkonys via Varėna. On electrified sections, such as Vilnius to Klaipėda, trains will reach speeds of up to 160 km/h.

Each train offers approximately 200 seats with step-free boarding and features designed for passengers with mobility impairments, including spaces for wheelchairs, transfer seats with tables, and low-floor access throughout coaches. Organizations representing people with mobility challenges contributed to the design of passenger compartments.

The interior includes carpeted floors for noise reduction, space for up to 30 bicycles—with at least four available year-round—and features for passengers working during travel, including power outlets, personal reading lights, and laptop tables. Adjustable backrests further enhance comfort.

By 2026, Lithuania plans to electrify 731 km of rail track, representing nearly 28% of the national network. The new fleet will support the transition to cleaner, more efficient rail transport, combining electric and battery technologies to provide flexibility, reduce emissions, and improve passenger experience.

This deployment demonstrates Lithuania’s commitment to modernizing its rail infrastructure, enhancing connectivity between cities and regions, and promoting sustainable, inclusive, and energy-efficient public transportation.