LTG Link and Stadler have unveiled the first new FLIRT electric train at the railway station in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.

Stadler believes that this marks “a new stage in the history of Lithuanian railways”, claiming that its trains will provide “a greener, quieter, and more comfortable way to travel”.

Stadler won the contract to produce the trains for LTG Link in 2023. It will deliver 15 vehicles altogether, comprising 9 electric and 6 battery-powered units. Last year, Stadler also won a contract to supply vehicles to Lithuania’s freight rail service.

LTG Link’s fleet of trains will significantly increase in size with the arrival of the new trains from Stadler.

The new electric train is being manufactured at Stadler Polska plant in Siedlce in eastern Poland.

By next year, 731 kilometres (about 28 per cent) of Lithuania’s railway track will be electrified. Electric trains will be able to reach speeds of up to 160 km/h on the Vilnius–Klaipėda.

The new trains will offer around 200 seats, and will be fully accessible to disabled passengers, with the seating layout providing space for wheelchairs and transfer to adjacent seats next to fixed tables. Designers consulted organisations representing people with mobility impairments.

The vehicles have low-floor access, which will make boarding easier for elderly passengers and families with young children. The interior has no steps, and the train is carpeted to reduce noise.

There will be a bistro on the train and accommodation for up to 30 bicycles. Seats will have power outlets, individual lighting and a table suitable for laptops.

Once the new vehicles enter service, the oldest diesel trains operating on the Vilnius–Turmantas route will be phased out.

Starting next year, the new trains will operate on the Vilnius–Klaipėda, Vilnius–Varėna–Marcinkonys, and Kaunas–Šiauliai routes.

“With the renewal of Lithuania’s train fleet, we are confidently stepping into a new era of passenger rail transport. 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.”

Juras Taminskas, Minister of Transport and Communications of Lithuania