Rail Baltica: A Project Profile

Rail Baltica is a greenfield rail transport infrastructure project with the goal to integrate the Baltic States in the European rail network. The project includes five European Union countries – Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and indirectly also Finland. It will be an electrified, high-speed railway line featuring modern ERTMS signaling and a 1,435 mm standard gauge, designed to eliminate the historical gauge isolation of the Baltic region and create a seamless north-south transport corridor.

Technical Specifications

The core technical challenge of Rail Baltica is the implementation of a new double-track, electrified, standard gauge (1,435 mm) line through a region historically reliant on the 1,520 mm broad gauge. This requires the construction of an entirely new 870 km corridor designed for high-speed operation. The infrastructure is being built to accommodate a 25-ton axle load, making it robust for heavy freight traffic. The entire line will be equipped with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2, ensuring maximum interoperability and safety across European borders. While initial sections utilize traditional ballasted track, key segments and high-stress areas are designed with slab track systems to reduce long-term maintenance costs and maintain geometric precision required for high-speed travel.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Integration: Rail Baltica physically and economically anchors the Baltic States to the core EU transport network, ending decades of logistical isolation and dependency on east-west corridors.
• Military Mobility: The project is a critical component of the EU’s military mobility initiative, enabling rapid and heavy deployment of NATO assets and supplies along the Eastern Flank via a standardized, high-capacity rail line.
• Technological Benchmark: As a greenfield project, it sets a new standard for European rail by incorporating full ERTMS deployment, 100% renewable energy for operations, and extensive digital twinning for predictive maintenance from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will Rail Baltica be fully operational?

The Rail Baltica project is being implemented in phases. While some individual sections are expected to become operational starting in 2028, the entire mainline corridor connecting Tallinn to the Lithuanian-Polish border is scheduled for completion by 2030, with full services commencing thereafter.

Who is building the Rail Baltica line?

The project is coordinated by RB Rail AS, a joint venture between Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The actual design and construction work is carried out by a wide consortium of international and local companies, including leading engineering firms like AECOM, IDOM, and Atkins, and construction groups such as Besix.