RB Rail AS Enters Negotiation Phase for Rail Baltica Signalling Contract

RB Rail AS has launched formal negotiations with shortlisted bidders for the design and construction of the Control-Command and Signalling (CCS) subsystem of the Rail Baltica project.

This phase is set to last one month and marks a significant step in the procurement process for the high-speed railway’s core safety and operational systems.

The CCS subsystem will play a central role in ensuring the safe and coordinated movement of trains across the Rail Baltica corridor. The system is expected to comply with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and other EU interoperability standards.

Five international bidders or consortia have progressed to this stage, having submitted initial proposals and qualified to take part in the negotiations:

• GTS Deutschland GmbH – now operating as  Hitachi GTS Deutschland GmbH  following a recent acquisition
• Hitachi Rail STS S.p.A.
• A consortium of  Indra Sistemas, S.A. and AŽD Praha S.R.O.
• A consortium operating under the name  SKGN Baltics , which includes Siemens Mobility OY Latvian Branch, Siemens Mobility GMBH, GRK Suomi OY, NRC Group Finland OY, and Kontron Transportation GMBH
• A consortium called  ALSTOM – COBRA – FIMA , comprising Alstom Transport SA, Alstom Baltics SIA, Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios S.A., and PS Fima KZA Krakow

The aim of this negotiation round is to refine both the technical and financial aspects of the proposals submitted. The process is designed to ensure that the final solution aligns with the project’s performance expectations and remains within the set budget.

Aiga Benfelde, Acting Head of Procurement at RB Rail AS and Chairperson of the Procurement Commission said:

Given the scale of this procurement, the commission has invested significant time to ensure that all requirements and criteria are clearly defined and well understood. The CCS subsystem is a critical component of the railway infrastructure – it is essential for ensuring safe operations, smooth cross-border train movement, and efficient traffic management across the Rail Baltica network.

The CCS design builds on established European signalling system ERTMS, on some initiatives such as Shift2Rail and incorporates proven technical solutions like EULYNX. These elements contribute to a harmonized and future-proof signalling system that meets the latest EU standards. The system architecture also includes a flexible Traffic Management System, energy-efficient power supply, and modern cableway infrastructure. In addition, strong safety and cybersecurity frameworks are being integrated from the start to meet the requirements of a high-speed, cross-border railway.

The contract award is scheduled for the end of 2025, following a comprehensive evaluation process and conclusion of the negotiations.