EURODUALs for Lithuania

On 16 December 2024, LTG Cargo, the freight operator belonging to LTG Group, signed a contract with Stadler for the supply of 17 six-axle 25 kV 50 Hz locomotives. The contract represents a new milestone for the company as it will introduce the EURODUAL platform to a new market, and with extreme weather conditions. The locomotives are designed for temperatures as low as -40 ºC and will include a winterization package for reliable operations in conditions with snow and ice. They are also the very first 1,520 mm gauge EURODUALs.

The 120 km/h machines will have a starting tractive effort of 500 kN and a maximum power of 6,150 kW. They will be able to haul trains weighing up to 5,700 t. In spite of the family name, these locomotives will not feature the diesel engines. The bodyshells will be the same as those of the EURODUALs for the 1,435 mm trakcs, thence not using the greater loading gauge of the 1,520 mm gauge network. The Valencia-built vehicles will be equipped with Type SA3 automatic couplings, will offer an on-board restroom and the CCTV, consisting of a forward camera and two rearview cameras in each cab, allowing the driver to observe the train from his central driving position. 

Eglė Šimė, CEO at LTG Cargo, said: “The purchase of electric locomotives marks the start of a new era of even more sustainable and reliable rail freight transport in Lithuania. The new electric locomotives will transport freight between Vilnius and Klaipėda - a corridor that carries half of all rail freight in Lithuania annually.“ The first locomotives will be delivered to Lithuania in early 2027, the batch is scheduled to be finished in 2028. 

Tender started in July 2023. For the purchase of electric locomotives with long-term spare parts supply, five companies have qualified, then two ones have been submitted, and the contract have been awarded to Stadler Valencia. The contract is worth 115.66 million EUR, and includes spare parts and a three-year maintenance period, as well as an option for 17 additional locomotives.

Currently, electrified lines Vilnius - Kaunas, Vilnius - Trakai and Vilnius - Kena represent about 8 % of the total railway network in Lithuania. The ongoing electrification project will significantly expand this portion. The major focus of the project is the electrification of the Vilnius - Klaipėda line, which is one of the busiest rail corridors in Lithuania – half of all freight traffic in Lithuania is transported via this route. The electrification project started in 2017 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The length of the electrified section will reach 731 km - around 28 % of the total length of railway tracks in Lithuania.