On Tuesday, October 7, the government approved the Cabinet of Ministers (CM) regulations developed by the Ministry of Transport (MoT), setting out the procedure for ensuring the modernisation of railway infrastructure, which will be implemented by the state joint-stock company “Latvijas dzelzceļš” (LDz) within the framework of the European Union (EU) Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027.
A total of €118.6 million in funding is available for the implementation of railway modernisation projects, including €100.8 million from the Cohesion Fund and €17.8 million from the state budget.
“Residents have already appreciated the comfort of travelling on the new electric trains — the number of train passengers increased by 15% last year and continues to grow. The planned railway modernisation projects will promote residents’ mobility, make rail travel even more convenient, and ensure accessibility for all population groups. Investments in railway infrastructure foster the development of sustainable mobility, improve regional connectivity, and represent a step closer to Europe’s green goals,” explained Atis Švinka, Minister of Transport.
In Latvia, as elsewhere in Europe, we are strengthening the railway as the backbone of public transport. The purpose of the allocated funding is to modernise the existing electrified railway network, expand electrified areas, and enhance the safety of passenger and train operations, the quality and comfort of passenger services, as well as to improve railway communication and information systems, ensuring their security and performance in line with EU standards.
Under these regulations, investments will be provided for the construction, reconstruction, and renovation of railway infrastructure, which will ensure full integration into the TEN-T network and improve energy efficiency in public passenger transport.
Within the allocated funding, by December 31, 2029, LDz plans to implement three projects:
Modernisation of platforms, constructing 20 raised platforms on the routes Rīga–Liepāja, Rīga–Lugaži–state border, Krustpils–Daugavpils, Krustpils–Rēzekne, Rīga–Aizkraukle, and Rīga–Tukums II;
Increase of train speed on Sloka–Tukums II section up to 140 km/h;
Implementation of a new-generation railway radio communication system, constructing 20 railway mobile 5G communication base stations.
"Latvijas dzelzceļš" project readiness level is high - five procurements have already been announced, and the evaluation of bidders is underway for the platform modernisation projects.
After the implementation of these projects, the modernised railway stations and stops will be comfortable, and safe, encouraging more residents to choose rail transport for their daily travel. The increased train speed and high punctuality will also be key factors motivating people to use trains for everyday mobility.
