The construction of Rail Baltica has significantly deviated from the promises made in 2017, leading to increased costs and questioning the project's viability.
The article discusses the substantial deviations from the original plans for the Rail Baltica high-speed railway, which was envisaged in 2017. According to economist Endel Oja, what was meant to be a fast train service has now evolved into a local railway service, with only one pair of tracks remaining instead of two. This change has posed concerns regarding the efficiency and competitive nature of the project. Furthermore, the cost of construction has ballooned fourfold, raising questions about fiscal responsibility and project oversight.
Additionally, the implications of the project's current status indicate that Rail Baltica may not effectively compete with road transport for freight services. Studies highlighted in the article suggest that the anticipated number of passengers traveling to "Europe" will be marginal, indicating a potential lack of demand for the rail line. This raises concerns about whether the investment is justifiable given the projected usage rates and ongoing expenses involved in completing the project.
Ultimately, Oja's commentary reflects growing disillusionment with the Rail Baltica initiative as it faces rising skepticism regarding its profitability and practicality. As the metaphor of rats leaving a sinking ship suggests, stakeholders might begin to question their involvement in a project that seems increasingly unviable, which could have lasting repercussions for infrastructure investment in the region.
