Lithuania’s electricity transmission system operator, Litgrid, has commenced the construction and integration of a 110 kV switchyard for the Linkaičiai traction transformer substation. The works will be carried out by Tetas, a company specialising in the development and maintenance of energy infrastructure. This project supports LTG Infra’s nationally significant railway electrification initiative on the Vilnius–Klaipėda route.
Once the 110/27.5 kV Linkaičiai traction substation is connected to the Litgrid-managed transmission network, it will ensure a stable power supply for electric trains. The 110 kV switchyard is being built under the order of LTG Infra, which is financing the design and construction works for the traction substation and its connection to the transmission network. The completed 110 kV switchyard and overhead lines will be owned by Litgrid.
“This project contributes to a key national objective – electrifying the main railway line between Vilnius and Klaipėda. It includes six traction substation projects, enabling passenger and freight transport to use sustainable electricity, thus reducing air pollution and the impact on climate change,” said Karolis Sabaliauskas, Head of Litgrid’s Strategic Infrastructure Department.
Tetas will begin preparatory construction works at the switchyard in early July, with overhead line construction to follow. Before commencing the overhead line works, the contractor will notify the landowners whose properties will be affected. The total value of the contract for the construction of the Linkaičiai traction substation’s 110 kV switchyard and its integration into the transmission network is €3.5 million (excluding VAT).
Under the contract terms, the contractor will prepare a detailed design, build a new 110 kV switchyard, construct a double-circuit 1.7 km long 110 kV transmission line from the Linkaičiai traction substation to the Šeduva and Radviliškis transformer substations, refurbish an 8.6 km section of the Šeduva–Radviliškis 110 kV overhead line, and connect the Linkaičiai traction substation to the transmission grid.
Upon completion of the Vilnius–Klaipėda electrification project by LTG Infra, a 363 km long catenary system will be installed. In addition to catenary construction, the project includes building six traction substations in Lentvaris, Žeimiai, Linkaičiai, Tarvainiai, Kretinga, and Žasliai, connecting them to Litgrid’s transmission network, conducting testing, and constructing eight autotransformers to ensure voltage stability in the catenary system.
The Vilnius–Klaipėda line is the most intensively used railway corridor in Lithuania, making its electrification crucial for the country’s infrastructure. Last year, it accounted for approximately 40% of freight transported by rail and 16% of all passenger traffic.
