The railway is moving from vision to reality as large- scale construction continues
The project has fully entered the construction phase, with mainline development actively underway in all three countries. By the end of 2025, 43% of the mainline is expected to be construction-ready and actively advancing.
Connecting the Baltics by 2030
To meet increased investment needs and the strategic 2030 deadline, Rail Baltica will be implemented in phases. The first phase will establish an operational cross-border corridor linking Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with Poland. The second phase, dependent on future funding, will complete full integration into Europe’s rail network.
Phase 1 overview
-
Single-track superstructure on a double-track embankment, excluding the section at Ülemiste International Passenger Station and Depot
-
Passenger international terminals at Ülemiste and Pärnu
-
Infrastructure maintenance facilities at Soodevahe and Pärnu
-
Rolling stock depot at Ülemiste
-
Freight terminal at Muuga (simplified scope)
-
12 regional stations: Assaku, Luige, Saku, Kurtna, Kohila, Rapla, Järvakandi, Kaisma, Tootsi, Urge, Surju, Häädemeeste (simplified scope)
-
Design of all point-type-objects
-
Land acquisition for the full project scope
-
1435 mm single-track mainline on a double-track embankment from Lithuanian border to the Estonian border
-
Connecting one international station to the Rail Baltica mainline: European gauge (1435 mm) railway infrastructure on the section “Upeslejas-Riga Central Station” or “Misa-Riga Airport” * Daugava dual bridge with infrastructure
-
Passenger terminals at Riga Airport and Riga Central Station (operational state)
-
Temporary 1520 mm connection: Riga Airport–Imanta on a 1435 mm double embankment with 1520 mm railway infrastructure
-
Infrastructure maintenance facilities at Iecava and Skulte (used as construction bases during the mailine construction phase)
-
Cargo terminal, including for military mobility needs (Iecava or Salaspils)*
-
Regional stations at Salacgriva, Skulte, Salaspils (Daugavkrasti), Iecava and Bauska*
-
Land acquisition for the full project scope
-
1435 mm single-track mainline on a double-track embankment: LV/LT Border to Panevėžys (bypass)
-
Double-track mainline from Panevėžys (bypass) to Lithuania/Poland border
-
Single-track connection to RB1 at Marijampole (north and south junctions)
-
Kaunas–Vilnius connection (initial works funded)
-
Provision for dual-gauge train tracks
-
RB1 electrified and signalled: Jiesia Junction to Kaunas City station
-
Passenger terminals at Kaunas City (existing), Panevėžys (Gustonys) and Kaunas Airport (platform)
-
Infrastructure maintenance facilities at Kaunas and Panevėžys
-
Freight terminals at Marijampole, Kaunas and Panevėžys
-
Regional stations at Joniškelis, Jonava, Palemonas and Lithuania/Poland cross-border station
-
Design of all point-type-objects except Neveronys Regional
-
Land acquisition for the full project scope
A glimpse of the current construction progress
Rail Baltica is now in full-scale construction across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Mainline development, international stations, bridges, and crossings are progressing rapidly.
In Estonia, over 70 km of railway substructure is under construction, including major works at the Ülemiste Terminal.
In Latvia, a framework agreement covers 230 km of mainline, with active works near Iecava and ongoing construction at the Riga Central Hub and Airport terminals.
In Lithuania, progress continues on the mainline toward Panevėžys, regional stations, and the Neris River bridge. By the end of 2025, 43% of the mainline will be construction-ready.
