Rail Baltica trains to be painted in yellow-blue-white livery

RIGA - Rail Baltica trains will be painted in yellow-blue-white livery, as the Baltic countries' joint venture RB Rail representatives told LETA.

The inspiration for the train design comes from the one element that connects all three Baltic states - the Baltic sea. Sun, sea, and sand will be reflected in the color scheme of the trains. The virtual concept train presented today has been inspired by the most modern high-speed train sets which are in operation in Europe and elsewhere in the world, said RB Rail.

The images presented today are illustrative and do not prejudge the solution for any rolling stock to be used on Rail Baltica infrastructure in the future, said RB Rail.

In the Standard Class, each train is envisaged to consist of eight carriages with approximately 70 seats per carriage. Wi-Fi services, USB slots, charger points, and screens with updated information on the travel route will be available to all the passengers.

First Class, like in the airlines, will have a higher level of comfort such as more personal space with fewer people per carriage and extra legroom. A special area for business travelers will be available with teleconferencing facilities such as the meeting room and presentation screen. A cafeteria located between the standard and first class will be serving hot drinks and snacks throughout the journey.

A special area is envisaged for bicycle and baggage storage, whereas to make the travelling even more convenient for business and leisure travel - it is also foreseen that passengers will have an option to check-in their luggage for the connections with the airports.

Dedicated spaces will allow wheelchair access for passengers with reduced mobility and priority seats for senior passengers, and each restroom is envisaged to be equipped with a baby changing table. Also, a special place for pets as they will be allowed to travel with the owners on every leg of the journey.

Rail Baltica is not only considered to be one of the safest transportation methods, but it is also one of the greenest, emitting far less CO2 than equivalent travel by road or air, said RB Rail.

Rail Baltica will be the first high-speed railway line in the Baltic States, hence safety measures are especially important. "The train will be equipped with the fire safety system, including with smoke detection, fire extinguishing, video surveillance system, driver's vigilance system as well as emergency button to get in touch with the train attendant. We have designed the train according to the latest ergonomic and comfort standards," said Jean-Marc Bedmar, RB Rail Head of Systems and Operation Department.

As reported, Rail Baltica is a double track, European standard 1,435 mm gauge electrified railroad for passenger and freight transport to be built from Tallinn to the Lithuanian-Polish border. The overall length of the railroad will be 870 kilometers.

The initial cost of the project was estimated at EUR 5.8 billion, with a portion of the costs being financed through EU funds. The project was expected to be completed and open for traffic in 2026.