Lithuania is nearing the completion of one of the largest railway infrastructure modernisation projects in the country’s history. Once the Vilnius–Klaipėda railway section is electrified, electric trains will be able to reach the Port of Klaipėda via Lithuania’s main railway artery. The project will not only transform passenger and freight rail transport but will also contribute to climate change mitigation goals and the development of a more sustainable transport system.

At present, three railway sections in Lithuania are electrified: Vilnius–Kaunas, Vilnius–Kena and Lentvaris–Trakai. Together, they account for approximately 8% of the country’s railway network. Upon completion of the project, which includes the electrification of 363 km of railway, the share of electrified lines will increase to 28%. In the future, once the European-gauge Rail Baltica project is completed, more than one-third of Lithuania’s railway infrastructure will be electrified.

“The electrification of the Vilnius–Klaipėda section is one of the most important infrastructure modernisation projects in the history of independent Lithuania. Its benefits cannot be measured solely in kilometres of electrified railway. It is an investment in cleaner transport, greater railway competitiveness and more convenient travel for passengers,” says Arūnas Rumskas, Acting CEO of LTG Group.

One of the largest infrastructure projects in Lithuania

The electrification project covers Lithuania’s busiest railway transport corridor between Vilnius and Klaipėda. The works were carried out in three phases: the Vilnius railway node, the Kaišiadorys–Radviliškis section, and the Radviliškis–Klaipėda section.

Approximately 99% of the works have now been completed. The total value of the project is around EUR 457 million, of which approximately EUR 200 million is financed through the European Union Cohesion Fund. Additional investments are being made in connecting the system to the electricity transmission network and upgrading traffic management systems.

Once completed, the electrified railway connection will link Lithuania’s eastern border, the country’s four largest cities, and the Port of Klaipėda.

Overcoming significant challenges

According to Vytis Žalimas, CEO of railway infrastructure manager LTG Infra, the project team had to adapt to major external developments during implementation.

“The project faced significant challenges. The outbreak of the war in Ukraine disrupted the supply of equipment and materials. At the same time, this is one of the most technically complex projects in the company’s history, as most of the work has been carried out without interrupting intensive train traffic. However, consistent planning and close cooperation between the team and our partners have enabled us to successfully move the project towards completion,” says Žalimas.

Changing national security requirements also required additional solutions. Restrictions were imposed on some previously planned equipment, forcing contractors to seek alternative technological solutions and Western suppliers.

Technological adjustments also played a role. The traction substation technology was changed, allowing infrastructure optimisation and reducing the number of substations required. Although this necessitated additional design work and modifications, the decision is expected to improve the system’s operational efficiency in the long term.

Benefits for passengers, businesses and the environment

The electrification of the entire route will enable broader use of electric traction for both passenger and freight services, increasing the attractiveness of rail transport for passengers and operators alike.

The Vilnius–Klaipėda railway line forms part of Transport Corridor IXB and carries approximately 40% of all rail passengers travelling in Lithuania. As a result, the benefits of modernising and electrifying this corridor will be significant for a large share of the country’s rail users.

Lower energy and rolling stock maintenance costs are expected to generate potential savings of around EUR 505 million for railway operators using Lithuania’s rail network. The project is projected to pay for itself within 19 years. Over its lifetime, the total socio-economic benefit is expected to exceed EUR 700 million.

The project will also make a substantial contribution to the decarbonisation of the transport sector. Wider use of electric passenger and freight trains is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 150,000 tonnes per year.

It is also expected that a portion of passenger and freight traffic will shift from roads to rail. Forecasts indicate this could reduce road traffic by around 3,600 cars and 18,000 heavy goods vehicles, contributing to reduced congestion, improved road safety and fewer accidents.

An important step towards the European Green Deal

The electrification of the Vilnius–Klaipėda section represents an important part of Lithuania’s contribution to the objectives of the European Green Deal. Electrified railways enable the use of electric trains, which are widely regarded as one of the most sustainable alternatives to diesel-powered transport. For this reason, railway electrification has long been one of the key priorities of European transport policy.

The European Union’s White Paper on Transport sets a target of shifting at least 30% of road freight transported over distances greater than 300 kilometres to rail or waterborne transport by 2030. By 2050, this share should exceed 50%.

According to Rumskas, the electrification of the Vilnius–Klaipėda corridor is an important step towards ensuring Lithuanian railways meet the transport standards of the future.

“Today, electrified railways are no longer a choice but a necessity for a competitive and sustainable transport system. By completing the electrification of the country’s main railway artery, we are strengthening Lithuania’s position within the European transport network and creating conditions to move more passengers and freight onto one of the most sustainable modes of transport: rail. It is a long-term investment in cleaner, more efficient and safer mobility for future generations,” says Rumskas.