Rail Baltica: Lithuania, Estonia & Latvia’s High-Speed Rail Push Rail Baltica: Baltic States Rail Construction & Electrification Rail Baltica: Progress in Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia Rail Baltica: High-Speed Rail Advancements in the Baltics Rail Baltica: Construction Update for Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia Rail Baltica: Connecting the Baltics with High-Speed Rail Rail Baltica: Infrastructure Progress Across Baltic States Rail Baltica: Electrification and Construction Update Rail Baltica: Key Developments in Baltic Rail Construction Rail Baltica: High-Speed Rail Project in the Baltics

**Rail Baltica** track laying begins in Lithuania’s Jonava district! This key stage marks significant progress for the European standard-gauge railway project’s expansion.

Rail Baltica: Lithuania, Estonia & Latvia’s High-Speed Rail Push
Rail Baltica: Baltic States Rail Construction & Electrification
Rail Baltica: Progress in Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia
Rail Baltica: High-Speed Rail Advancements in the Baltics
Rail Baltica: Construction Update for Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia
Rail Baltica: Connecting the Baltics with High-Speed Rail
Rail Baltica: Infrastructure Progress Across Baltic States
Rail Baltica: Electrification and Construction Update
Rail Baltica: Key Developments in Baltic Rail Construction
Rail Baltica: High-Speed Rail Project in the Baltics
October 7, 2025 8:54 am

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Introduction

Track laying has commenced on the Rail Baltica section in Lithuania’s Jonava district, marking a key stage in the development of the European standard-gauge (1435 mm) railway. The initial 8.8 km section between Šveicarija and Žeimiai is targeted for completion by the close of this year.

Project Commencement

“Railway construction is moving from planning to actual work – from vision to laying tracks,” stated Juras Taminskas, Minister of Transport and Communications of Lithuania. “Rail Baltica is not only a modern transport project, but also a guarantee of security for the entire Baltic region. Every European railway track will strengthen the security of our country and the eastern border of the European Union, ensuring that the people of Lithuania have fast and convenient connections to Western Europe.”

Construction Details

Each 25-metre rail segment is being joined and aligned using advanced technologies that meet international standards. To support the works, national project implementer LTG Infra has procured 86,200 tonnes of ballast, 29,500 reinforced concrete sleepers, and 42 kilometres of rails.

“Territorial planning, design, and preparation take up a significant portion of the project timeline. However, construction – especially track laying – is a fast-moving phase. Our priority now is to maintain the momentum we achieved last year and continue progressing at pace,” said Egidijus Lazauskas, CEO of LTG Group.

According to Vytis Žalimas, CEO of LTG Infra, every euro invested in Rail Baltica generates at least two euros in return for the state. “It’s a sustainable investment in the economy, delivering long-term benefits not only to society, but also to employment, tourism, and various business sectors. We are pleased with the progress made by contractors and subcontractors across the entire 77 km construction section—these developments are becoming increasingly visible.”

Contracts and Electrification

The contract for the installation of the upper track structure on the Šveicarija–Žeimiai section was awarded to a joint venture between Leonhard Weiss GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) and Leonhard Weiss OÜ (Estonia), valued at EUR 13.9 million (excluding VAT). Following track construction, the high-speed railway will be electrified as part of the largest electrification project in Baltic history.

In September, RB Rail AS, together with the three Baltic States, signed a EUR 1.77 billion (excluding VAT) contract with COBELEC Rail Baltica to electrify the entire route—covering more than 870 km of track across the region.

Progress Across the Baltics

Rail Baltica has entered full-scale construction in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Mainline works, international stations, and engineering structures are advancing in all three countries.

In Estonia, construction is underway on 105 km of substructure, including overpasses, junctions, and crossings. Contracts have already been signed for an additional 200 km of substructure and superstructure. Works continue at the flagship Ülemiste Terminal in Tallinn.

In Latvia, mainline works are progressing along the southern section near Iecava, linking Riga with the Lithuanian border. The zone has become one of the most active construction areas, with large-scale earthworks and structures advancing along 202 km of planned railway.

In Lithuania, work continues along the Kaunas–Panevėžys section, where 77 km of embankments and engineering structures are under development. By the end of 2025, construction will expand to 114 km, including the new bridge over the Neris River, set to become the longest in Lithuania.

Last June 2025, we published an article about Renfe’s cutting-edge Aranjuez maintenance hub. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

Conclusion

By the end of 2025, approximately 43% of the Rail Baltica mainline will be construction-ready, representing significant progress for the cross-border rail project that links the Baltic States with the European high-speed network.

Company Summary

Leonhard Weiss GmbH & Co. KG (Germany): A German construction company involved in the Šveicarija–Žeimiai section of the Rail Baltica project.

Leonhard Weiss OÜ (Estonia): An Estonian construction company involved in the Šveicarija–Žeimiai section of the Rail Baltica project.

LTG Group: The parent company of LTG Infra. The CEO is Egidijus Lazauskas.

LTG Infra: The national project implementer for Rail Baltica in Lithuania. The CEO is Vytis Žalimas.

RB Rail AS: An organization that, together with the three Baltic States, signed a contract with COBELEC Rail Baltica to electrify the entire route.

COBELEC Rail Baltica: The company contracted to electrify the entire Rail Baltica route.

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