RB Rail Launches Electrification Design Tender for Rail Baltica in Latvia Lithuania

RB Rail AS has launched a new procurement procedure for design consultancy services for the electrification system of the Rail Baltica project in Latvia and Lithuania. The tender splits into two separate lots, allowing companies to bid for one or both countries.

This procurement represents a critical phase in Rail Baltica's development as the project advances from planning to detailed technical implementation. The electrification design work will establish the technical foundation for one of Europe's most ambitious cross-border rail projects, connecting the Baltic states to the European standard gauge network. The decision to engage independent design expertise signals RB Rail's commitment to ensuring the energy subsystem meets stringent European interoperability requirements while incorporating best practices from established electrification projects.

The contract seeks independent design expertise to develop technically sound electrification solutions that comply with all applicable requirements. RB Rail encourages participation from local design firms with relevant experience in Latvia and Lithuania, potentially boosting regional engineering capabilities. The energy subsystem encompasses traction substations with high-voltage components and contact line infrastructure designed to deliver safe, stable, and efficient power supply.

The tender structure allows contractors to focus on specific national segments while maintaining overall system coherence across borders. This approach recognises the varying regulatory environments and local technical requirements in each Baltic state while ensuring seamless integration of the electrification network.

Rail Baltica represents the largest railway infrastructure project in the Baltic region, spanning 870km from Tallinn to the Polish border at Czyżew. The electrification tender follows earlier awards for civil works and track installation, indicating accelerated progress toward the project's operational targets. The 25kV AC electrification system will enable 249km/h passenger services and support freight operations, positioning the corridor as a key link in the European rail freight network connecting Scandinavia with Central Europe.