How is Lithuania Enhancing the Rail Baltica Project?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Lithuania is focusing on completing Rail Baltica by 2028.
- A dedicated working group will coordinate project efforts.
- Rail Baltica will connect major cities across the Baltic region.
- The project is vital for economic growth and infrastructure development.
- Construction is currently underway, with significant progress expected.
Vilnius, May 20 (NationPress) In an effort to accelerate the construction of the Rail Baltica railway in Lithuania and ensure its completion by 2028, the country's Transport and Communications Ministry has established a new working group dedicated to coordinating this significant project.
This working group, led by Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Julijus Glebovas, will develop an action plan for the Baltic Railway.
According to Glebovas, "The advancement of the Rail Baltica project holds strategic significance for Lithuania and the entire Baltic region. By creating this working group, we aim to facilitate better coordination of the project and swiftly address critical issues that arise during its implementation in our nation," as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Rail Baltica represents the largest railway infrastructure initiative in the history of the Baltic countries, linking Tallinn, Parnu, Riga, Panevezys, Kaunas, Vilnius, and Warsaw. The total length of the railway line within the Baltic nations will cover 870 km: 392 km in Lithuania, 265 km in Latvia, and 213 km in Estonia.
The action plan from the working group is set to detail immediate measures to implement the project by the end of 2028 and will be submitted to the Strategic Projects Portfolio Commission for approval in June.
Furthermore, this group is charged with overseeing the execution of the Rail Baltica project in Lithuania, monitoring project activities, and focusing on essential aspects such as land acquisition for public needs, the design and construction of the European gauge railway line, ensuring sustainable project financing, and securing additional funding sources.
Currently, the construction of the 46.3 km section of the Rail Baltica main line embankment and civil engineering works between Kaunas and Panevezys is in progress. Construction efforts are anticipated to expand to 114 km by the end of this year.