Rail Baltica Section from Kaunas to the Polish Border Approved

On June 12, 2024, the Lithuanian government approved the construction plan for a double-track high-speed rail (HSR) section of Rail Baltica from Kaunas (Jesia station) to the Polish border, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The selected route, designated as 6A, is the shortest and most economically viable option, bypassing major cities in the region.

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Rail Baltica is an ambitious project aimed at integrating the Baltic countries into the European rail network.

The length of the new section will be about 110 kilometers.

The route will bypass the cities of Marijampole, Kazlu Ruda, and Kalvarija, making maximum use of the existing single-track 1435 mm gauge line that runs from the Kaunas multimodal terminal to the Polish border.

Advantages of Route 6A

The choice of Route 6A was influenced by several factors.

Firstly, this route minimizes the impact on the environment and populated areas, as it avoids significant changes to the current infrastructure.

Secondly, utilizing the existing single-track line allows for significant cost savings and accelerates project implementation.

Cross-border freight and regional passenger trains will continue to operate on the European gauge line, ensuring the continuity of existing logistics and passenger flows.

This decision also enhances transport connectivity between Lithuania and Poland, which in turn stimulates economic development in the region.

Infrastructure and Regional Stations

Approximately 115 infrastructure objects, including tunnels, bridges, ecoducts, and culverts, will be constructed along the HSR section.

These infrastructure elements are necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of rail traffic, as well as to minimize the impact on the region’s ecosystems.

Additionally, regional stations are planned in Marijampole, Sestokai, and Kazlu Ruda, which will have access to the HSR. These stations will become important transport hubs, providing convenient access to the high-speed line for local residents and promoting the development of suburban rail services.

The approval of the Rail Baltica route from Kaunas to the Polish border along Route 6A is a significant step forward in the development of the region’s transport infrastructure.

This project will not only improve transport connectivity between the Baltic countries and the rest of Europe but also make a substantial contribution to Lithuania’s economic development.

The construction of the new HSR section will create additional jobs, attract investments, and increase the region’s competitiveness on the international stage.

The Rail Baltica project demonstrates how modern infrastructure solutions can promote sustainable development, improve quality of life, and strengthen international connections.

There is still much work ahead, but the approval of this plan is a confident step towards a future where Lithuania becomes an important transport hub on the map of Europe.

Photo: Rail Baltica

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