Škoda Vagonka prepares bid for Rail Baltic train procurement; deadline extended to July 31

Škoda Vagonka, a Czech train manufacturer, is preparing a bid for the joint Baltic tender to acquire regional trains for the Rail Baltic project. Company representative Tomáš Gurňák stated that they are currently working on a cost estimate and proposal, but the final decision to participate will be made by the company's management.

Initially set for May 4, the deadline for submitting proposals has been extended to July 31 due to a question-and-answer process. This was confirmed by the procurement organizer, Estonian passenger train operator Elron.

Škoda Vagonka is interested because it already supplies a similar product—a train with a speed of 200 km/h—to a private operator in the Czech Republic. According to Gurňák, this model, with modifications, is suitable for Rail Baltic requirements.

The Baltic market is important for the company due to historical and market similarities with the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Although the Baltic states use broad gauge (1520 mm), Škoda has experience from Finland, Eastern Europe, and Ukraine.

The company plans to establish a vehicle maintenance center in Latvia, given the significant fleet of Škoda trams, trolleybuses, and trains already in the country, as well as vehicles in Lithuania and Estonia.

As reported, the Baltic passenger operators—Latvia's Vivi, Estonia's Elron, and Lithuania's LTG Link—launched a joint tender in March for up to 20 Rail Baltic regional trains. Latvia plans to acquire up to five, Estonia five with an option for two more, and Lithuania up to eight trains.

Škoda Vagonka has already delivered 32 electric trains to Latvia, which began passenger service in December 2023, as well as 20 low-floor trams to Riga and 125 trolleybuses. In Estonia, Škoda electric trains started running in November 2023.