Awarded €38.3 million contract for Rail Baltica project
Rail Baltica High-Speed Rail Project Progresses Amid Challenges
The Rail Baltica high-speed rail project, aimed at connecting the Baltic States to the European rail network, is moving forward despite some compromises due to funding and construction challenges. The target completion year remains 2030 [1].
Kaunas to Polish Border Section (Lithuania)
Design and preparatory works are underway for this section. DB Engineering & Consulting has signed a key design contract for an electrified double-track railway from the Polish border through Marijampolė to Kaunas (Jiesia) [4]. The line will feature the standard gauge European track with modern signaling and traffic control systems for faster, more efficient train services [4]. Poland, being a strategic partner due to its existing 1435 mm standard gauge, will see much of the Polish section upgraded, while the design for the connecting Lithuanian part is progressing to ensure synchronized operations on both sides of the border [4].
Contracts worth around €235 million cover construction works on 77 km of the Lithuanian mainline. An 8.8 km stretch is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, and a 10.4 km section is targeted for completion by Q1 2028. Preparatory and construction activities on an additional 114 km are planned [2][3].
Bauska Region (Latvia)
Construction is underway in Latvia, with significant ongoing works at Riga Central station. Temporary passenger platforms have been built, and infrastructure including tunnels and adjacent streets are being renovated to accommodate the new line [5]. Although the Bauska-specific segment details were not explicitly outlined, the project is actively progressing across all three Baltic countries, with a substantial share (43%) of the mainline under construction by late 2025 [4][5].
Overall Status
The project will be completed by 2030 but with notable compromises such as single-track lines in certain sections (e.g., Estonian section) and a phased construction approach due to funding uncertainties [1]. Total contracts signed so far cover over €1.1 billion worth of construction activities [1]. For Lithuania alone, major contracts are in place, with EU and state funding secured for ongoing and near-future works [2][3].
Key Features
- The maintenance center, covering an area of approximately 16.5 hectares, will facilitate connections to the existing 1520 mm track network.
- The railway will be a double track, fully electrified with a standard gauge of 1435 mm.
- The project includes 175 engineering structures and 11 wildlife crossings.
- Rail Baltica will be equipped with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS).
- The ERB Rail consortium, responsible for the construction of Rail Baltica, consists of Budimex S.A., Eiffage Génie Civil SAS, and Rizzani de Eccher S.p.A.
Quotes
Jaime Rontome Pérez, a member of the ERB Rail Management Committee, emphasized the challenge of integrating various organizations and cultures in the project with the highest standards of safety and quality. Artur Popko, general manager and chairman of Budimex's Management Committee, stated that the construction of Rail Baltica is a strategic investment for the region [6].
Construction Progress
Over 150 kilometers of rail will be under construction this year [7]. The project's success and responsible construction are expected to be guaranteed by the participation of companies with extensive rail project experience, such as the Warsaw West Station in Poland and the Brittany-Pays de la Loire line in France [8].
[1] Officials consider amendments to the original plan due to budgetary constraints and EU expectations, which may involve reducing maximum speeds, delaying a connection to Riga, and bypassing Vilnius. [2] https://www.railbaltica.org/news/lithuanian-government-approves-contracts-for-kaunas-rail-baltica-section [3] https://www.railbaltica.org/news/lithuanian-government-approves-contracts-for-kaunas-rail-baltica-section [4] https://www.railbaltica.org/news/progress-report-on-rail-baltica-2021 [5] https://www.railbaltica.org/news/progress-report-on-rail-baltica-2021 [6] https://www.budimex.com/en/press-centre/press-releases/2021/rail-baltica-construction-is-a-strategic-investment-for-the-region [7] https://www.railbaltica.org/news/over-150-kilometers-of-rail-to-be-under-construction-this-year [8] The participation of companies with extensive rail project experience, such as the Warsaw West Station in Poland and the Brittany-Pays de la Loire line in France, is expected to guarantee success and responsible construction.
Construction machinery is essential for the progress of the infrastructure projects associated with the Rail Baltica high-speed rail project, with over 150 kilometers of rail expected to be under construction this year. The engineering expertise of companies with a track record in rail project construction, such as the Warsaw West Station in Poland and the Brittys-Pays de la Loire line in France, will contribute significantly to the sports and recreational opportunities that the project promises, providing faster travel connections for participants in various sports events across the Baltic region.
