On 8 April Latvijas dzelzceļš (LDz) launched a feasibility study on electrification of Latvian railway lines.
Within the framework of the study it is planned to assess economic justification of Latvian railway system electrification – costs, potential economic benefits. There will be also determined, in which lines this process should be done primarily and what technical solutions could there be – either to develop existing 3.3 kV DC system or to convert systems according to the most progressive 25 kV AC that is widely used in Europe.
The study is commissioned by the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Latvia, which selected in a tender a consolidation of companies ETC Transport Consultants & COWI Latvia/GRE as a study performer.
“Certainly electrification of lines is the most suitable development scenario in the long term – electric traction is more high-powered, and more economical and environmentally friendly regarding fuel costs. However, these are huge investments, which will justify in a relatively long period of time; therefore we need to consider very carefully whether potential benefits are commensurable with costs,” said LDz Chairman of the Board Uģis Magonis.
Already this summer the consultants will report on the state of infrastructure and within six months it will be reported on one of the most suitable electrification options – DC system improvement, application of a new AC system or coexistence of both systems (keeping old DC system and applying new system). Full report on electrification options will be available within 15 months.
Aija Poča, Head of Development Planning and Project Management Division, said that this report is necessary for technical development strategy elaboration on LDz development in the future: “LDz lines electrification is a complex arrangement and it does not involve only railway lines reconstruction, but also purchase of new electric traction and rolling stock. On the basis of this study we will be able to include in the strategy our plans regarding further railway development stages and reconstruction issues.”
Concern Latvijas dzelzce ļš comprises the holding company SJSC Latvijas dzelzceļš and four subsidiaries – LDz Cargo Ltd., a rail freight carrier;LDz infrastruktūra Ltd., a company providing infrastructure construction and maintenance works; LDz ritošā sastāva serviss Ltd., a company providing rolling stock repairs and maintenance works, and LDz Apsardze Ltd., a security company.
Prepared by LDz Public Relations Division