Project Profile: Rail Baltica Central Hub, Riga

The Rail Baltica Central Hub in Riga is a transformative infrastructure project creating a state-of-the-art, multi-modal transport interchange for Latvia. It integrates a new 1,435 mm European standard gauge high-speed rail line with existing city transport networks, forming a critical node in the broader Rail Baltica corridor connecting the Baltic states to the European rail system. This profile details the technical specifications, strategic importance, and current status of this landmark engineering endeavor.

Project Fact Sheet

Technical Specifications

The core of the project is the construction of a fully electrified, double-track railway built to the European standard gauge of 1,435 mm, a significant shift from the region’s legacy 1,520 mm gauge. The project’s main engineering challenge is the construction of a new 1km-long combined railway bridge spanning the Daugava and Maza Daugava rivers. This structure is designed to accommodate both high-speed rail traffic and dedicated pedestrian and cyclist paths, promoting multi-modal transit.

The new Riga Central Station is designed as a modern transport hub, featuring an expansive, airy concourse with an architectural design that uses repetitive arches and vaults for intuitive wayfinding and aesthetic harmony with the city’s skyline. To seamlessly integrate the new railway line into the urban fabric and eliminate traffic bottlenecks, the project includes the construction of six new railway overpasses at key city streets (Dzirnavu, Jelgava, Lacplesa, Praga, Maskava, and Mukusala), effectively separating rail and road traffic.

Key Takeaways

• European Integration: The hub is the central node connecting Latvia to the trans-European high-speed rail network, drastically reducing travel times to Tallinn, Vilnius, and Warsaw and enhancing regional mobility.
• Economic Catalyst: This €430 million investment acts as a major economic driver for Riga and Latvia, creating construction jobs, attracting new business investment, and boosting tourism and trade through superior connectivity.
• Urban Modernization: The project fundamentally redesigns a large section of Riga, replacing outdated infrastructure with a modern, efficient, and sustainable multi-modal transport hub that improves urban connectivity for rail passengers, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Rail Baltica Central Hub in Riga open?
Based on the construction timeline, major works were scheduled for completion in late 2025. The hub is expected to become fully operational and open for passenger services in 2026, following the conclusion of system testing and commissioning.

Who is building the Rail Baltica Central Hub?
The master design and construction of the Rail Baltica Central Hub are being carried out by BERERIX, an international joint venture. The venture consists of BESIX Group from Belgium, RERE Būve from Latvia, and Rizzani de Eccher from Italy.