LTG Infra continues to advance one of the largest railway infrastructure modernisation projects in Lithuania: the electrification of the Vilnius–Klaipėda railway line. During testing of the newly constructed catenary system, an electric train travelled for the first time along the 39.3 km Kaišiadorys–Žeimiai section. Power has been connected to the system, and preparations are underway for further testing and operational trials.
Nearly 40 tests are planned, including emergency shutdown, grounding, control, and communication tests, as well as tests of converters, transformers, and load capacity, along with simulations of emergency modes.
“This work is of paramount importance for Lithuanian Railways and the entire country. Once the electrification of the country’s main railway artery – the Vilnius–Klaipėda line – is complete, and once the train fleet has been supplemented with new electric trains, we will be able to offer passengers faster, more comfortable, and more sustainable journeys,” says Deputy Minister of Transport Roderikas Žiobakas.
According to Vytis Žalimas, Head of LTG Infra, the planned tests represent a significant milestone in the process of fully electrifying the country’s busiest railway line.
“The upcoming tests are proof that the electrification project is progressing steadily and consistently. Each section that is activated brings us closer to achieving our goal of creating a more modern, sustainable, and competitive national railway network,” says V. Žalimas.
The electrification of the Vilnius–Klaipėda railway is the largest project of its kind in the history of independent Lithuania. It involves electrifying a 363‑kilometre section, during which a 900‑kilometre contact network will be installed along the country’s main railway artery. The project consists of three phases: the electrification of the Vilnius railway junction, the Kaišiadorys–Radviliškis section, and the Radviliškis–Klaipėda section. Overall progress across all phases currently stands at approximately 97 per cent. Upon completion, the proportion of electrified railways in Lithuania will increase from 8 per cent to 28 per cent.
This large‑scale project involves driving 13,000 piles, installing nearly 4,000 additional bored piles, and erecting 12,000 poles. Six substations are being built to serve the network and will be connected to Litgrid’s 110 kV grid. The total value of the project is €493 million, with more than €220 million provided by the European Union Cohesion Fund and more than €38 million from the Economic Recovery and Resilience Facility.
The benefits of electrification are already considered significant for the country’s transport sector. Once implemented, the project will reduce annual air pollution by around 150,000 tonnes, and the social and economic benefits over the entire operational period are expected to exceed €700 million.
Carriers will also benefit—it is estimated they will save around €505 million due to reduced energy and rolling‑stock maintenance costs. Electric locomotives will enable the transport of more cargo, faster preparation of trains for service, and more sustainable operations. These improvements will also foster stronger partnerships with sustainability‑focused clients and enhance Lithuania’s competitiveness.
The LTG Group, of which LTG Infra is a part, is the largest railway group in the Baltic States. The group operates in three main areas: freight and passenger rail transport, as well as the management, maintenance, and development of public railway infrastructure. The LTG Group consists of the following main subsidiaries: LTG Infra, LTG Cargo, LTG Link, and GTC.