Rail Baltica: CCS System Procurement Enters Final Stage

RIGA, LATVIA – The procurement for the critical Control-Command and Signaling (CCS) system for the 870 km Rail Baltica high-speed line has entered a decisive phase, with project coordinator RB Rail initiating the second round of negotiations with four leading global consortia. This move marks a significant step towards deploying a unified, state-of-the-art ERTMS-based signaling system across the landmark project, which is scheduled for testing and commissioning by 2030.

The joint venture RB Rail AS has officially advanced to the second stage of negotiations for the design and build contract of the Rail Baltica CCS subsystem, arguably the most complex technological component of the entire cross-border infrastructure project. Following the submission of updated technical and financial bids, RB Rail is now conducting individual meetings with the four shortlisted contenders: Germany’s Hitachi Rail GTS Deutschland GmbH; the SKGN Baltics consortium (featuring Siemens Mobility, GRK Suomi, and others); the Indra Sistemas and AŽD Praha consortium; and the Alstom – Cobra – Fima association. These discussions aim to refine technical solutions and optimize costs for the first phase of deployment while strictly adhering to European standards for safety and interoperability.

The technical scope of the contract is centered on the deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2, the mandatory EU standard for ensuring seamless cross-border train operations. This system is essential for achieving the line’s design speeds of up to 249 km/h for passenger services and 120 km/h for freight. Crucially, the tender also specifies a clear migration path to the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), the next-generation successor to the current GSM-R standard. This forward-looking requirement ensures the Rail Baltica line will be technologically future-proof, capable of handling increased data traffic for applications like automated train operation (ATO) and real-time diagnostics.

The CCS procurement is a cornerstone for the broader Rail Baltica vision: to integrate the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into the European standard gauge (1435 mm) rail network. As a key project on the EU’s North Sea-Baltic TEN-T corridor, Rail Baltica will forge a new economic channel, enhance military mobility within the region, and offer a sustainable, high-speed alternative to road and air travel. The conclusion of these negotiations, expected this month, will pave the way for the final stage of the procurement process, bringing the project one step closer to operational reality.

Key Takeaways

• The highly strategic procurement for Rail Baltica’s unified CCS system has advanced, with four major industry consortia in the final running.
• The system will be built on ERTMS Level 2 architecture, a prerequisite for high-speed, interoperable services connecting the Baltics with Poland and the rest of Europe.
• By including a mandatory migration path to FRMCS, the project ensures its long-term viability and compatibility with future digital railway technologies.

Editor’s Analysis

This negotiation phase for the Rail Baltica CCS contract is more than a standard procurement milestone; it is a bellwether for the future of European rail integration. As one of the largest greenfield ERTMS Level 2 deployments on the continent, the choice of partner will have significant ramifications, establishing a major technological footprint in a strategically vital region. The intense competition among global signaling giants like Alstom, Siemens, Hitachi, and Indra underscores the contract’s prestige and value. Furthermore, the explicit requirement for FRMCS readiness positions Rail Baltica as a pioneering project, setting a benchmark for new high-speed lines and signaling a clear industry-wide transition away from legacy communication systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rail Baltica project?

Rail Baltica is a major European infrastructure project to build an 870 km, fully electrified, high-speed standard-gauge railway line connecting the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) with Poland and the wider European rail network.

What is a Control-Command and Signaling (CCS) system?

The CCS system is the technological “brain” of the railway. It comprises all the trackside and onboard equipment, including ERTMS, that ensures trains can run safely, efficiently, and at high speeds, while allowing for seamless cross-border interoperability.

Who are the main competitors for the Rail Baltica CCS contract?

Four bidders are in the second round of negotiations: Hitachi Rail; the SKGN Baltics consortium led by Siemens Mobility; a consortium of Indra Sistemas and AŽD Praha; and the Alstom – Cobra – Fima association.