Minister of Infrastructure Leis promised to seek European funding for the Haapsalu railway construction
Estonia's Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis announced plans to request EU funding for the construction of the Haapsalu railway, as domestic financing is deemed insufficient.
Estonia's Infrastructure Minister Kuldar Leis has revealed his intention to approach the European Union for funding necessary for the construction of the Haapsalu railway. He indicated that there seems to be no possibility of completing this railway section through the Estonian state budget alone. The Haapsalu railway support group has sent a letter to the government urging attention towards the new funding period of the European Union to secure financial support for the Rohuküla railway segment, which is crucial for improving transport links in the region.
During a recent briefing in the Riigikogu, Minister Leis highlighted that major infrastructure projects are already in progress, and the funding for the Rohuküla railway has not been included in recent state budget strategies. However, he emphasized that this is an opportune moment to plan for the next round of EU funding, and the completion of this railway segment can be included in future funding applications. The estimated cost for this railway construction is around 200 million euros, reinforcing the necessity of EU support as the state budget cannot cover these expenses alone.
The appeal for funding underscores the challenges faced by Estonia in bolstering its rail infrastructure, which is vital for regional connectivity and economic development. If successful in securing EU funding, the Haapsalu railway project could significantly enhance transportation efficiency and stimulate local economies, making it a crucial component of Estonia's strategic infrastructure goals.