Rail Baltic Estonia Starts Construction of New Rail Section for €59.87 Million

Rail Baltic Estonia has signed a €59.87 million contract for the construction of a new section of the Rail Baltica railway, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The contract was awarded to a joint venture between Merko Ehitus Eesti AS and GRK Eesti AS. It covers a 10.5-kilometer stretch from the village of Saku to the boundary between Harju and Rapla counties.

GATX Expands North American Locomotive Fleet by 156 Units: New Deal with Progress Rail Services

Anvar Salomets, Chairman of Rail Baltic Estonia, noted that this contract represents a significant milestone towards achieving this year’s goal of constructing at least 70 kilometers of the main line in Estonia.

He stated that contracting experienced builders would open a new front in Harju County. Work on additional sections in this region will also commence soon.

Jaan Mäe, Chairman of Merko Ehitus Eesti, emphasized the importance of effective collaboration for the successful completion of construction projects. He expressed confidence that the next four years will be marked by active work and fruitful cooperation among all participants.

This contract is the fifth signed in 2024 as part of the Rail Baltica project and the second for Harju County. The works will include the construction of the Kiisa eco-bridge, the Uus-Väina and Vana-Väina railway bridges, the Soo-tee tunnel, and the Koosi pedestrian tunnel. The section will feature 1.8 kilometers of noise barriers and infrastructure for Saku and Kurtna stops.

Construction on the main line has already begun in Rapla County, with several intersections either under construction or completed.

The new section is expected to be finished by August 2028, in line with the contract’s timeline.

Project funding is partially provided by the Connecting Europe Facility, which covers up to 85% of the cost.

Photo: Rail Baltic Estonia

Rail business, industry, and railway technology news from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Locomotive and Wagon Auction by Moldova Railways: 96 Lots and Tank Containers for Sale