In response to the energy crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East, the European Commission (EC) on 22 April introduced a temporary action plan, AccelerateEU, one element of which is to promote the transition to domestically produced clean energy sources to replace oil, gas, and fossil transport fuels. In Latvia, as in other European Union member states, even greater focus will be placed on strengthening railways as the backbone of public transport.
“Over the past few years, rail transport has undergone significant changes — travelling has become more convenient both in terms of comfort and in planning daily routines. Last year, Vivi carried a record number of passengers — 21.3 million, which is 13% more than the year before. Another positive indicator is the 98% on-time performance rate, one of the highest punctuality indicators in the European Union. Looking ahead to future passengers and changing mobility habits, it is encouraging that young people under the age of 24 are the most satisfied with travelling by train, according to Vivi survey data,” explains Minister of Transport Atis Švinka.
In Latvia, 32 new Vivi electric trains are currently in operation, providing passengers with a higher level of comfort, including easier accessibility and more space for passengers with reduced mobility. The introduction of Vivi electric trains has enabled increased service frequency and the implementation of a regular interval timetable. Residents have welcomed these improvements and are increasingly choosing to travel by train. In 2024, trains accounted for 47% of all passengers carried on regional routes, while in 2025 this figure increased to 51%. For example, passenger numbers on Skulte line have risen by 33% over the past two years. A passenger survey conducted by Vivi at the end of 2025 shows that 79% of residents prefer travelling by train compared to other modes of public transport.
With co-financing from the European Union funds, the modernisation of railway infrastructure will continue, ensuring faster, safer, and more convenient train services across the entire rail network. State Joint Stock Company “Latvian Railways” (LDz) is implementing the modernisation of stations and stops in several phases. During the first phase, completed by 2019, elevated platforms were built at 27 stations and stops on the Jūrmala, Jelgava, and Krustpils lines. In the next phase — by the end of 2026 — elevated platforms and related infrastructure will be constructed at 36 stations and stops on Jelgava, Skulte, Tukums, and Bolderāja lines. By the end of 2029, elevated platforms and related infrastructure are planned for at least another 37 stations and stops on the Liepāja, Lugaži, Tukums, Aizkraukle, Rēzekne, and Daugavpils lines.
Work is also continuing on projects to increase train speeds, modernise overhead contact lines, and improve safety solutions for vulnerable road users. To enhance train safety and increase travel speeds, final-stage construction works are currently underway at Zemitāni station junction and on Imanta–Sloka section of the Tukums line. By the end of 2029, LDz also plans to modernise railway infrastructure on the Sloka–Tukums II section.
To improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other traffic participants crossing railway tracks, LDz plans to upgrade 45 pedestrian crossings in Riga and Jūrmala during this year and in 2027. In addition, investments from the Social Climate Fund are expected to finance the installation of 50 covered bicycle parking facilities at railway stations and stops by 2029.
At the same time, intensive work is underway on the development of new electrified passenger rail lines towards Bolderāja and Riga Airport, ensuring fast and convenient connections between key transport hubs in the capital and improving regional connectivity. Construction works on Bolderāja line are scheduled to be completed by autumn this year, while the connecting infrastructure of Riga railway junction is planned to be completed by the end of 2029.
“Over the coming years, we are planning significant improvements to regional connectivity and resident mobility on non-electrified railway lines. In 2029, zero-emission BEMU electric trains will begin operating on Riga–Daugavpils and Riga–Cēsis lines, replacing the outdated diesel trains,” the minister explained.
Financing from EU funds has been secured for the implementation of the BEMU project, and a contract for the procurement of the trains, to be delivered by the end of 2029, has already been signed. At the same time, “Latvian Railways” (LDz) will ensure the construction of electric charging stations. In addition, the purchase of five additional BEMU trains and the development of the corresponding charging infrastructure are planned within the framework of the European Social Climate Fund. After the additional train sets are put into operation, BEMU train services are also planned for Riga–Rēzekne line.
To improve residents’ mobility and support the transition towards the Green Deal, mobility hubs (the “Station 2.0” concept) are being developed in Riga, the Riga metropolitan area, and across Latvia using investments from the Recovery Fund and EU funds. Through the redevelopment of railway station surroundings, convenient public transport hubs are being created to ensure connections with other modes of public transport. More than 30 mobility hubs are planned to be established by 2029.
