On May 21, 2024, an official ceremony in Riga marked the beginning of the construction of the high-speed railway (HSR) Rail Baltica, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Start of Rail Baltica Construction in Latvia

This significant event attracted the attention of both local residents and representatives of international companies involved in the project.

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The Rail Baltica project is an ambitious initiative aimed at improving the transportation infrastructure in the Baltic States.

It will connect Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with the Western European railway network, ensuring fast and efficient transportation of passengers and cargo.

The Latvian section, spanning 230 km, will be a key element of this corridor.

Construction work in Latvia will be undertaken by the ERB Rail consortium, which includes three leading European companies: the French Eiffage Génie Civil SAS, the Polish Budimex, and the Italian Rizzani de Eccher.

The Latvian company Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas will coordinate the work.

The project plans to construct 175 engineering structures, 11 wildlife crossings, 81 road and 32 railway bridges, as well as 42 viaducts.

The first phase of construction will begin in the Bauska region, near the town of Iecava, where the infrastructure base will be located.

This project was approved by the Latvian Railway Inspectorate in September 2023.

In 2024, the construction of sections totaling 150 km is planned.

The Rail Baltica project is of great importance to the region.

It will not only improve transport connections between the Baltic States and Western Europe but also promote economic development, increase employment, and attract investment.

Modern infrastructure will also open new opportunities for tourism and business.

The ceremony in Riga symbolized international cooperation and progress.

The event was attended by representatives of the Latvian government and partner countries, as well as representatives of the companies involved in the construction.

Speakers at the ceremony emphasized the importance of the project for regional integration and sustainable development.

The Rail Baltica project is expected to be operational within the next few years, and it is already generating significant interest from the public and business sectors.

The successful implementation of Rail Baltica will be a crucial step towards creating a unified European transport network, significantly reducing travel time and improving transportation quality.

Overall, the construction of the Rail Baltica HSR represents not only a technical but also a social project that will bring tangible benefits to the entire region.

Latvia, as one of the key participating countries, is poised to become an important transportation hub, opening new horizons for cooperation and development.

Thus, the start of Rail Baltica construction in Latvia is not just the beginning of a new infrastructure project but an important milestone in strengthening ties between the Baltic States and Europe, contributing to the sustainable development and prosperity of the entire region.

Photo: Government of Latvia

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