The Rail Baltica project, which accelerates the development of railway infrastructure in the Baltic region, is supported by significant financial agreements. The project will receive a total of €1,163 billion, including €231 billion from the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and €1,394 million from the national budgets of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. This funding is the largest EU grant for infrastructure projects for the period 2021-2027. The project will accelerate the construction of a modern railway with a gauge of 1435 mm connecting the Baltic countries.
Construction of Railway Line in Estonia
In Estonia, the construction of the gauge railway line between Soodnevahe and Kangru will receive €352 million from the CEF fund, while €88 million will be allocated from the Estonian national budget. The 58 km section of the line will be built, including multi-level junctions. Additional construction is also planned from Saku to Harjumaa, up to the borders of the Raplamaa district.
Railway Infrastructure Works in Latvia
In Latvia, the focus will be on the construction of the railway section from Misa station to the Latvian-Lithuanian border. In addition, a high-voltage transformer substation will be built in Iecava and an infrastructure hub in Skulte. Latvia will support these projects with a total of €337,6 million in CEF funds and €59,5 million in the national budget.
Track Laying and Electrification Works in Lithuania
Lithuania will lay track on a total of 36,7 km of the railway line, focusing on the construction of the Ramygala to Berčiūnai section. Funding for Lithuania includes €450 million from the CEF fund and €79 million from the national budget. Additional funding will be provided for design and assessment work on electrification and risk management.
Strategic Importance of the Project
Rail Baltica aims to modernise rail transport between the Baltic countries and ensure faster integration with the rest of Europe. This project is of great importance not only in terms of developing railway infrastructure, but also in terms of increasing environmental sustainability and increasing efficiency in the transport sector.
