Rail Baltica
Established in2016
Located inTallinn, Estonia
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Rail Baltica
Half Of Rail Baltica Mainline In Estonia Now Covered By Construction ContractsThe construction of Rail Baltica in Estonia has reached a significant milestone – construction contracts now cover half of the mainline, extending from Ülemiste Station to Tootsi in Pärnumaa.
The contract signed today in Järvakandi, Raplamaa, with AS TREV-2 Grupp adds another 14 kilometers to the project, covering the Kärpla-Selja section in Raplamaa and marking a new phase in Rail Baltica’s development in Estonia. This latest agreement reinforces that the international high-speed railway is no longer just a future vision but an actively progressing construction project, with work underway on multiple sections simultaneously.
“Rail Baltica is not just a new transport corridor but an economic and geopolitical investment connecting Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with the rest of Europe,” said Rail Baltic Estonia CEO Anvar Salomets. “This is a strategic project that opens new markets for Estonian businesses and strengthens regional security.”
TREV-2 Grupp will undertake both design and construction work for various infrastructure elements along this section. The segment includes the Ahekõnnu and Nõlva viaducts, ensuring local traffic connections to the new railway corridor, as well as the Kärpla ecoduct and Kootja green bridge, which will support safe wildlife movement. Additionally, the contract covers the construction of railway bridges over the Velise and Nurtu rivers and the Lihuveski animal tunnel, minimizing the railway’s environmental impact. These structures will be built as part of the mainline’s design and construction works, ensuring Rail Baltica meets both technical and environmental standards.
“TREV-2 Grupp has extensive experience and a strong working relationship with the client in building various Rail Baltica track sections and site-specific infrastructure,” said TREV-2 Grupp CEO Sven Pertens. “Given the scale of this project, Rail Baltica’s construction is crucial for Estonia’s economy and infrastructure sector, providing builders with long-term planning opportunities in today’s economic environment.”
The design and construction contract for the Kärpla-Selja section is valued at €67.6 million (excluding VAT). The works are scheduled to continue until the end of 2028, with at least eight kilometers of the mainline embankment expected to be completed by 2027.
The construction contract is financed by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and the Estonian state budget.railway
Jul 03, 2025
Rail Baltica
Rail Baltica Representatives Discuss Public-Private Partnership Opportunities With Swiss InvestorsChairman of the Board of Rail Baltica national implementing body in Latvia Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas, Ēriks Diļevs, together with Pēteris Celms, Head of Investment Development at the central project coordinator RB Rail AS, and Guntis Āboltiņš-Āboliņš, CEO of Bererix – the contractor for the Rail Baltica Central Hub in Riga – met on 4 April to explore PPP financing possibilities with the Swiss company SSB Holdings Group, which has international experience in financing both large-scale infrastructure and commercial projects worldwide.
Work is ongoing to develop a PPP financing model aimed at attracting additional funding that could accelerate project implementation and, in the long term, reduce the financial burden on the Baltic states’ budgets during the construction of infrastructure. Discussions are currently underway with investors to assess which sections and assets of the Rail Baltica infrastructure would be most suitable for implementation under the PPP model, maximizing the benefits of private sector involvement.
According to the European Commission’s vision, the PPP approach is encouraged and supported, as demonstrated by other international infrastructure projects. Initial talks with potential private investors and financiers have yielded positive signals and indicate a strong interest in participating in the Rail Baltica project. Combined with government support, this highlights the clear potential of a PPP strategy within Rail Baltica.railway
Apr 04, 2025
Rail Baltica
Two International Consortia Declared Successful In Rail Baltica’S Main Line Construction Procurement In EstoniaThe construction procurement for the mainline of Rail Baltica’s Estonian section has reached a significant milestone: two international consortia have been declared successful.
Upon contract signing, these consortia will implement the construction of two major sections of the international high-speed railway. This step ensures full contractual coverage of the Estonian passenger mainline, bringing Rail Baltica closer to establishing a functional rail corridor between Tallinn and Warsaw by 2030.
Successful consortia:
Once the contracts are signed, Rail Baltic Estonia will move into the development phase, and the detailed timeline for the completion of Rail Baltica’s Estonian main line will become more precise.Â
The alliance procurement was structured into two parts:
The consortia formed as a result of the procurement process will be responsible for both the design and construction.
Mainline contracts:
Next steps:
Now that the successful bidders have been selected, a background check of these companies will commence in accordance with the Public Procurement Act. This process includes verifying compliance with legal requirements, as well as assessing past performance and financial standing. In accordance with the Public Procurement Act, all parties have the right to challenge the decisions within 10 days, followed by an additional 14-day waiting period.
Once the verification process is successfully completed, preparations for alliance contract signing will begin. Following contract signing, the planning and detailed development of the work will commence, including the creation of construction schedules, procurement of materials, and refinement of technical solutions to ensure the seamless execution of the project.
Once the preparatory work is finalized and all parties have approved the plans, the project will enter the active construction phase.
The alliance procurement strategy, preparation, and execution were advised by Estonia’s leading alliance procurement and project consultancy BrainTeam OÜ, in collaboration with Finland’s leading alliance procurement and project consultancy Vison Oy.railway
Mar 13, 2025
Rail Baltica
Rb Rail As Negotiations With Tenderers For The Design And Construction Of The Rail Baltica Railway Signalling SystemRB Rail AS has officially started a one-month negotiation phase with all tenderers that have been invited to submit initial bids in the Design and Build (D&B) tender for the Rail Baltica Control-Command and Signalling (CCS) subsystem.
The purpose of these negotiations is to further develop and improve the technical and financial proposals submitted by the tenderers. The goal is to find the best possible solution – both technically and financially – that meets the project’s requirements and fits within the Contracting Authority’s budget.
Following international candidates have successfully qualified and submitted their initial bids for their participation in the negotiation phase:
The contract with the selected supplier is expected to be signed by end of 2025.
“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,” said Aiga Benfelde, Acting Head of Procurement at RB Rail AS and Chairperson of the Procurement Commission.
She added, “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.”
After the acquisition, the company is now represented by Hitachi GTS Deutschland GmbH, as GTS Deutschland GmbH has been integrated into the Hitachi Group.railway
Mar 04, 2025
Rail Baltica
Estonia Makes Major Step Forward In Rail Baltica Project: Route Plan Approved For Pärnumaa SectionToday the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications in Estonia announced a major advancement in the project’s development. Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry, Erkki Keldo, has signed a decree confirming the route plan for the Pärnumaa section of Rail Baltica, enabling construction to begin in a region where progress had been halted since a Supreme Court ruling partially annulled the previous plan in 2020.
“Rail Baltica is a strategically important infrastructure project for Estonia and the entire Baltic region. It will create a modern and environmentally friendly transport connection with the European railway network, reduce road traffic congestion, and foster economic development while also serving as a backbone for military mobility on NATO’s eastern flank,” said Minister Keldo.
With construction preparation in full swing, alliance contracts are being finalized with international consortia. Anvar Salomets, CEO of Rail Baltic Estonia, confirmed that construction contracts for nearly the entire Estonian mainline are expected to be signed by May, with the goal of launching high-speed rail service between Tallinn and Warsaw by 2030.
Marko Kivila, CEO of RB Rail AS – the joint venture responsible for the global coordination of the Rail Baltica project – highlighted the broader significance of Estonia’s progress. “Each national milestone is a step forward for the entire Rail Baltica corridor. The approval of the Pärnumaa route plan sends a strong signal that the project is moving from planning into full-scale implementation. As a unified European infrastructure initiative, Rail Baltica strengthens the security of the entire Baltic region within the EU transport network.”
The approved county plan defines a 350-meter-wide railway corridor. Within this, the 66-meter-wide railway area will be fenced off over a 35-meter span and include necessary infrastructure such as tracks, power lines, drainage systems, and service roads. Local residents will benefit from new mobility options, including stops planned in Surju and Urissaare. A supporting road network is also planned to ensure continued access to residential areas, farmland, and forests during both construction and operation.
Environmental concerns have been a key focus throughout planning. Ecological bridges (ecoducts) and protective zones will preserve habitat connectivity and wildlife movement, particularly in sensitive natural areas. Noise mitigation areas will be identified during the design phase to safeguard both residents and nature. In addition, comprehensive mitigation and compensation measures will address potential environmental impacts, including those on the Luitemaa bird area and its capercaillie population.
Rail Baltica is co-financed by the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), underlining its strategic role in the EU’s vision for sustainable and integrated transport infrastructure across member states.railway
Feb 04, 2025
Rail Baltica
Rail Baltica Billion-Euro Procurement: Five Leading Consortia Advance To The Next RoundOne of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects, Rail Baltica, has reached a significant milestone: five consortia – four international and one domestic – have advanced from the first stage of the alliance procurement for Estonia’s section of the main railway line, connecting Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to the rest of Europe. This procurement, valued at nearly one billion euros, will determine who will complete the design and construction of the mainline between Ülemiste–Pärnu and Pärnu–the Latvian border in the next stages.
The five shortlisted consortia are:
CEO of Rail Baltic Estonia Anvar Salomets emphasized that the alliance contract model plays a key role in the success of the project. “This model enables international industry leaders and Estonian companies to combine their experience and expertise, providing added value to the project and ensuring the best possible outcome. I am confident that working together will lay the foundation for an efficient and high-quality railway that connects us more closely with the rest of Europe,” said Salomets.
During the first stage, candidates were evaluated based on diverse criteria, including technical and financial capabilities and prior experience. All five consortia met stringent qualification requirements. The next steps involve submitting initial proposals, contract negotiations, development workshops, and final proposal submissions. The aim is to sign two contracts in the first half of 2025.
The total value of the alliance procurement could reach up to 932 million euros, including the option for strategic material procurement.
Why is this important?
Rail Baltica is not just a railway – it is a geopolitical project that will integrate the region more closely with Central and Western Europe. The 870-kilometer railway, built to a unified standard gauge, will allow speeds of up to 249 km/h, making the Baltic states more attractive for trade and tourism.
Collaboration with international leaders does not only ensure the project’s success but also creates unique opportunities for local companies to participate in large-scale infrastructure projects. This experience and the references gained will help Estonian companies enhance their competitiveness and open doors to international markets where such projects are increasingly in demand. Furthermore, collaboration at an international level and the application of advanced technologies will contribute to local competence and innovation.
The construction of the mainline in Estonia is funded by the European Union and the Estonian state budget. The selected alliances will be responsible for completing the mainline between Ăślemiste and the Latvian border.railway
Nov 27, 2024
Rail Baltica
Bbc: Baltic States And Their Nato Allies Need The Railway Set In Its Place FastEven though Rail Baltica began as a project with an aim to ​​improve passenger and cargo mobility, due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine it is now transformed into essential strengthening of military mobility becoming a strategic imperative, reported BBC.Â
While visiting all three of the Baltic countries with public transportation, BBC’s presenter Lisa Louis discussed different aspects of Rail Baltica, including financial challenges as well as benefits and geopolitical meaning. Now it is all available on BBC’s podcast “Rail Baltica – Building a geopolitical railway”.
“For countries that shortly after their independence from Russia joined the European Union and NATO Rail Baltica is not just an infrastructure project, it is a symbol of where they belong,” says presenter Lisa Louis.
BBC reported that until now, the Baltics have used a Russian track because of the rail system dating back to the Soviet era. The new network will use the European railway track width and connect seamlessly with railways all across the EU, without causing passengers to change trains to the European system when they get to the Polish border. “Rail Baltica will increase military mobility and allow trains to go directly from the Netherlands to Tallinn,” Cmdr Peter Nielsen, from Nato’s Force Integration Unit, said. In the survey carried out by Rail Baltica, which was conducted in cooperation with the research agency “Norstat”, 46% of respondents agree that the implementation of the Rail Baltica project will promote Latvia’s security and improve military mobility in the regions.
The Podcast discusses project phases and importance from the perspective of all the Baltic States as well as contribution of economic and environmental factors. Fredis Bikovs, Head of the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, expressed his opinion on the benefits that this project will bring to Riga, including grater talent mobility within the Baltic region, where the main beneficiaries will be companies in Riga. It is predicted that Rail Baltica will also increase investment in real estate and other sectors.
The financial side of the project is also discussed. Chief Technical Officer and Management Board member at RB Rail AS Emilien Dang explains that the situation in Ukraine as well as the COVID-19 pandemic and high inflation has dramatically increased the cost of material.Â
Recent analysis for Rail Baltica estimates the overall economic boost at €6.6bn. As Adam Cohen of the University of California at Berkeley said on the podcast, “The vast majority of studies on existing high-speed rail systems show a positive economic impact.”
The full version of the podcast is available here.railway
Nov 21, 2024
Rail Baltica
Marius Narmontas At The Greentech Forum: Rail Baltica Will Lead The Shift Toward Greener Transport Solutions Across The Baltic RegionThe recently held Vilnius GreenTech Forum, one of the largest events in the Baltics in the energy, transport, and green economy sectors, brought together policymakers, business leaders, and industry professionals. Among the participants was Marius Narmontas, Chief Operating Officer and Vice-Chairperson of the Management Board at RB Rail AS. Representing Rail Baltica, Narmontas highlighted the project’s commitment to sustainability and its transformative potential in reshaping the region’s transport and energy systems.
A Catalyst for Green Innovation
Rail Baltica’s vision aligns with the objectives of the GreenTech Forum: fostering sustainable, secure, and efficient transport systems while driving the energy transition. Rail Baltica is positioned to lead the shift toward greener transport solutions across the Baltic region.
The project exemplifies this shift by promoting a sustainable mode of transport that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In line with the EU’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and cutting transport emissions by 80% by 2040, Rail Baltica offers a renewable-powered alternative for passenger and freight transport. By transitioning from road-based systems to electrified rail, the project will contribute significantly to achieving these ambitious targets.
Sustainable Infrastructure Development
Narmontas emphasized Rail Baltica’s multi-faceted approach to sustainability. This includes engaging stakeholders to ensure the project not only meets environmental targets but also enhances regional mobility, supports business growth, and facilitates cultural exchange. Rail Baltica is also dedicated to reducing the region’s reliance on fossil fuels, thus increasing energy independence – a mission critical for the Baltics in today’s geopolitical climate.
To solidify its commitment, Rail Baltica has adopted a Declaration of Sustainability Principles. These principles guide policies and practices throughout the project’s lifecycle, ensuring that sustainability remains a core focus from planning to operation.
Rail Baltica’s approach to planning and construction is grounded in smart, environmentally conscious practices. This includes prioritizing the use of local materials transported via rail, reusing excavated soil, and minimizing ecological impact by restricting temporary structures in forested areas. Station designs incorporate energy-efficient heating systems, reinforcing the project’s dedication to low-carbon infrastructure.
Procurement processes further underscore sustainability by emphasizing reduced emissions, recycled materials, and durable components. Rail Baltica also mandates the use of machinery with improved engine categories and recycled construction materials, including asphalt and reinforcements.
A Collaborative Effort for a Greener Tomorrow
As a platform for meaningful dialogue among political, business, and public leaders, the GreenTech Forum underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainability. Rail Baltica’s participation exemplified how innovative infrastructure projects can drive both environmental and economic progress.
By laying the groundwork for smart rail technologies and integrating green practices, Rail Baltica not only leads the way in sustainable transportation but also provides a model for the future of infrastructure development in Europe.railway
Nov 21, 2024
Rail Baltica
Resilience And Business Continuity Workshop Highlights Railways’ Essential Role In Crises For Civilian And Military NeedsNot availablerailway
Oct 31, 2024
Rail Baltica
Network Rail Teams To Deliver ÂŁ84.3 Million Of Improvements...Network Rail engineers will be working throughout the late summer bank holiday weekend on more than 440 projects across Britain, delivering an investment of ÂŁ84.3m to improve train performance and reliability for passengers and freight.
Notable locations affected by this programme of work include:
Network Rail’s system operator group director, Anit Chandarana, said: “We’ve carefully planned our engineering work to keep disruption to a minimum over the bank holiday weekend so people can rely on the railway to get them to events and destinations across the country.
“There’s never a good time to do the work we need to do, but the bank holiday Monday gives us an opportunity when fewer people are travelling to complete major work we couldn’t do in a normal weekend.
“Though the vast majority of the railway will be running as usual, disruption in some areas is unfortunately unavoidable, so I advise those planning to travel over the bank holiday weekend to check their journeys in advance.”
Passengers travelling over the bank holiday weekend are advised to check their journeys in advance at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator.railway
Aug 22, 2024