Ministry of Transport: With existing funding, 53 kilometers of the ‘Rail Baltica’ main line can be built in Latvia
Latvia's Ministry of Transport confirms that using available funding, nearly 53 kilometers of the 'Rail Baltica' main line can be constructed by 2027.
The Latvian Ministry of Transport has announced that with the current funding available from the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), it is possible to construct 52.66 kilometers of the 'Rail Baltica' main line embankment. This project is part of a broader initiative to improve transportation infrastructure across the Baltic region and is expected to enhance connectivity between Latvia and its neighboring countries. The construction works must adapt the technical solutions of the main line in the southern section by the beginning of 2027, aligning with the project's timeline.
The total funding allocated for the construction of the 'Rail Baltica' main line comes close to 700 million euros, which includes not just the direct costs of construction but also related expenditures such as supervision, consultancy, and project management services. Out of this, approximately 603 million euros is specifically earmarked for the construction of the main line embankment in Latvia. The priority is given to constructing the southern section from the Lithuanian border to Misa, including a construction coordination base in Iecava, and a smaller segment between Misa and Daugava.
The implications of this construction project are significant, as it aims to modernize Latvia's rail infrastructure, promote regional economic development, and facilitate easier access to international transport networks. The successful execution of this project could play a vital role in Latvia’s integration into broader European infrastructure, enhancing trade, mobility, and economic ties within the region, particularly as it relates to both EU initiatives and local economic growth.