Elron train made a test run to Daugavpils
On the night of 29 June, Latvian passenger rail operator Vivi and Estonian passenger rail operator Elron carried out a successful technical test run on the Riga–Daugavpils–Riga line. Vivi is planning to lease modern diesel trains to serve the Daugavpils route.
"At the request of the Latvian passenger rail operator Vivi, we organized a night test run during which we tested the technical suitability of the Stadler FLIRT diesel trains used in Estonia for the Riga–Daugavpils railway," said Lauri Betlem, Chairman of the Management Board of Elron. "The test run took place after the nightly Tallinn–Tartu–Riga service arrived in Riga. The test run was successful and confirmed the technical suitability of the rolling stock on this section of track."
According to Betlem, Vivi has expressed interest in leasing a train to operate the last Riga–Daugavpils departure of the day and the early-morning Daugavpils–Riga departure. "This is also an interesting project for us, since it would help increase the train's effective operating time. At the moment, our Tartu–Riga train stays overnight in Riga, and that downtime could be used more efficiently," Betlem added.
"Latvia has successfully completed the modernization of rolling stock on our electrified railway lines, which serve nearly 90% of our passengers. We see that passengers highly value the comfort offered by the new electric trains. At the same time, the Latvian state has signed a contract for the procurement of nine zero-emission battery trains, which are expected to enter service on non-electrified lines by the end of 2029. Nevertheless, we are also looking into alternative options to offer passengers a better service as quickly as possible," said Raitis Nešpors, Chairman of the Management Board of Vivi.
Vivi currently operates one daily connection between Riga and Valga, using a modern PESA diesel train leased from the Lithuanian passenger rail operator LTG Link. "The Daugavpils line is the second-largest line in Vivi's diesel train network, which is why the company is already seeking solutions this year to improve the passenger experience on this route. One of the options under consideration is cooperation with Elron through the future leasing of Stadler FLIRT diesel trains," said Nešpors.
"To ensure the availability of additional modern rolling stock, a public procurement for train leasing is being carried out. This will allow Vivi to continue operating one daily round trip from Riga to Daugavpils and back, while also reducing travel time between the two cities," he added.
The low-floor Stadler FLIRT diesel trains used in Estonia have a maximum speed of 160 km/h. The trains are equipped with an automatic climate control system, free WiFi is available on board, and the trains running on the Tallinn–Riga line are equipped with Starlink connectivity. The trains have space for wheelchair users, bicycle storage areas, and a toilet accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.
PHOTOS: Stadler FLIRT train on the Riga–Daugavpils–Riga test run (PHOTOS: Elron) https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCY1hD
Elron (AS Eesti Liinirongid) is an operating company owned by the Republic of Estonia that organizes passenger rail traffic on the railway owned by AS Eesti Raudtee and AS Edelaraudtee. In 2025, 7.66 million trips were made on Elron trains.
Vivi (AS Pasažieru vilciens) is an operating company owned by the Republic of Latvia that organizes passenger rail traffic in Latvia. In 2025, Vivi trains carried 21.3 million passengers.