State Joint Stock Company “Latvijas dzelzceļš” (LDz) has launched the implementation of the European Union Cohesion Fund project “Construction of BEMU Charging Infrastructure”, taking a significant step towards adapting Latvia’s railway infrastructure for the operation of zero-emission battery-powered trains.
The project provides for the design and construction of modern charging infrastructure at strategically important railway stations in Latvia – Sigulda, Līvāni and Daugavpils, as well as Cēsis, provided that sufficient funding is available within the project.
At the beginning of this year, on 25 February, LDz signed an agreement with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFLA) for the implementation of the European Union Cohesion Fund project “Construction of BEMU Charging Infrastructure.” Within the project, charging infrastructure for BEMU (Battery Electric Multiple Unit) trains will be designed and built at least at three strategically important railway stations – Sigulda, Līvāni and Daugavpils. If the available funding allows, additional infrastructure will also be constructed in Cēsis.
The selection of these stations is based on passenger flow intensity, geographical location, and the importance of the respective railway lines within the regional and national mobility system, as well as the availability of public transport for passengers.
The project is particularly significant due to its innovative approach, marking a transition towards a more flexible railway operation model, enabling the use of zero-emission trains even on routes where full electrification has not been implemented. The developed infrastructure will represent an important milestone in the transition of railway transport towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, ensuring efficient operation of BEMU trains, improving transport accessibility, and promoting an increase in passenger flow.
“This project will be one of the steps in the development of Latvia’s railway and will complement both already implemented and planned infrastructure development projects. It will expand the possibilities to provide high-quality passenger transport services also on non-electrified routes. With the support of the European Union Cohesion Fund, we will continue to strengthen the transport system and gradually make railway transport more accessible, convenient, and environmentally friendly for passengers throughout Latvia,” emphasizes Chairman of the Board of SJSC “Latvijas dzelzceļš”, Artis Grinbergs.
Following the signing of the agreement with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFLA), LDz has begun active implementation of the project. On 9 April, a contract was signed with “Energoprojekts” Ltd for the development of construction designs for external power supply network connections and for author supervision of the construction of electricity supply connections at the railway stations in Sigulda, Līvāni, Daugavpils, and Cēsis.
The next significant stage in the implementation of the project is the announcement of an open tender “Construction of BEMU Charging Infrastructure” (design and build).
Procurements within the project are carried out under the European Union Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027, within Specific Objective 2.4.1 “Promoting sustainable multimodal mobility, including encouraging the use of electric vehicles,” measure 2.4.1.3 “Zero-emission (battery) trains.”
