Today, the leadership of the Ministry of Transport and the LTG Group presented short-term and long-term measures to improve railway traffic safety to the Government's National Security Commission (NSC). This plan was drawn up following a preliminary analysis of the Gudžiūnai and Jiesia accidents that occurred in early May, and the identification of their preliminary causes.

Preliminary estimates indicate that more than €800 million would be required for safety solutions and infrastructure upgrades by 2030.

"These figures clearly demonstrate the scale of the problems that have accumulated within the railway system over the past decade. The plan, therefore, sets out both short-term and long-term measures to improve railway traffic safety. The short-term measures will be implemented by Lithuanian Railways itself, whilst long-term solutions will depend on future state budget capacity and the company's financial results," said Transport Minister Juras Taminskas.

According to acting LTG CEO Arūnas Rumskas, the Commission was also presented with preliminary estimates of the investment required for critical infrastructure – including the installation of Rail Baltica signalling, certain upgrades to the automatic rolling stock control system, and other railway traffic safety measures.

"Safety is and will remain LTG's highest priority. We have drawn up a comprehensive plan of measures for technological improvement; however, we must also not overlook the importance of investing in our staff – raising their qualifications and their ability to manage complex technical situations," said acting LTG CEO Arūnas Rumskas.

The short-term railway safety measures presented by LTG relate primarily to reducing the risks of rolling stock failure and human error. Operational algorithms are being reviewed, additional controls are being introduced into processes, supplementary briefings are being carried out, and rapid technical solutions are being deployed – including equipment upgrades at stations and the introduction of additional tools.

The long-term measures concern improving the condition of infrastructure and its components: from track repairs to the upgrading of management and monitoring tools. Among the long-term railway traffic safety measures are the reconstruction of the Vilnius–Kaunas overhead contact network, the installation of a new station management system, and the upgrading of the RAKP safety system (automatic rolling stock control).

According to Mr Rumskas, following both incidents, support is also being provided to the members of staff involved – psychological consultations have been arranged for them.

An LTG investigation into both accidents in the Kėdainiai and Kaunas districts has been launched, with the findings expected to be shared with the public in the near future.