EU – Baltic States, Lithuania, Railways, Transport

"We are looking for a standard product that meets our demands and could be used in Lithuanian railway infrastructure after minor adjustments. This would allow us save money not only when purchasing but when operating and maintaining electric locomotives. We are looking not only into technical characteristics but prices as well. Prices of electric locomotives depend on their configuration, the need of additional certification, amount, supply terms and other details. However, the price should not be greater than the market price," said Albertas Bajorinas, Deputy Director of the Rolling Stock Department of Freight Transportation Directorate.

Siemens has not only introduced its products but also offered to discuss cooperation opportunities and manufacture electric locomotives in Vilnius Locomotive Repair Depot.

One of the biggest advantages of electric locomotives is their superior efficiency, thus they can transport freight at the lowest cost. Electric motor does not limit the train's length or weight, unlike diesel engines. In the future 8,000-10,000 tonne train formations will be able to travel on Lithuanian railways without any technical limitations.

Furthermore, in late 2014 electrification of railway stretch from Naujoji Vilnia to Lithuanian-Belarus border commenced. It is the first stage of Kena-Klaipeda railway stretch electrification. By 2030 the IX International Transport Corridor stretch from the border with Belarus to the port city of Klaipeda should be electrified. This will grant fundamental advantages competing for transit cargo flows to Lithuanian Railways, Klaipeda Seaport and public logistics centres of Vilnius and Kaunas.

The electrified line will join Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, and Minsk, the capital of Belarus, in 2016. The line should reach Radviliskis in 2020.