Pasažieru vilciens JSC (PV) representative Sigita Zviedre explains that the new electric trains supplied by Škoda Vagonka (Škoda) are planned to be put in operation using Russian-made Blok train movement safety system to reduce safety risks.
She explained that the topic of the use of Blok system in new trains is «being discussed in detail with assistance from competent institutions». Risk reduction measures were developed based on recommendations in order to reduce identified risks and ensure safe operations of Škoda trains.
«Škoda train manufacturing process continues, and it is planned to commence the use of electric trains together with Blok train movement safety system to reduce risks in the assembly and operation process,» said Zviedre, adding that PV continues working with «competent institutions to assess opportunities and additional security solutions in order to gradually replace Russian-made equipment with once manufactured in the EU or Eurozone».
According to Zviedre, Blok is a local movement safety system, which train operators can manually switch off if need be. Installation of this equipment ensures compliance with specific railway safety rules.
Blok automatically puts the train to a full stop after receiving a red light from a traffic light if the train operators doesn’t do it,
thereby minimising the risk of human factor and increasing overall safety.
The company’s representative also said the transition to A-class safety solutions in trains should be organised and should happen in accordance with improvements to railway infrastructure. According to the European trains movement management system implementation plan, this is to happen by the year 2030.
Last year TV3 programme Nekā personīga, the State Security Service and Cert.lv centre object to using Russian-made communication blocks in new passenger trains supplied by Škoda. Block train movement safety control system is manufactured by Russian Research and manufacturing association Saut founded in 1994.
Specialists explain that the functionality of this equipment is tied to train operations and monitoring. Authorities are concerned about possible remote access vulnerability in this equipment. Specialists say that in-depth analysis of this equipment would require a lot of time and risks are very high.
VDD recommends replacing this system with an alternative solution. PV management, meanwhile, explains that this Russian-made system is compatible with the ones used in Latvia’s railway infrastructure so far.
It could be replaced with western-made system Veps, which is now used by Estonia. However, it is not certified for use in Latvia.
This means that it is first necessary to resolve the certification issue. PV previously explained that replacement of Blok with Veps may cost around EUR 14 million. This also means the commissioning of the first new train could be delayed by approximately a year.
PV has ordered 32 new electric trains from Škoda Vagonka. So far Latvia has received five trains. The remaining ones are planned to be received by the end of 2023. The total cost of the project is EUR 257.889 million. EU Cohesion Fund provides co-financing of EUR 114.211 million
Also read: Delivery of Latvia’s new trains may be delayed by at least four months