The „Rail Baltica“ project in Latvia is slowly starting to take shape, but the clear outlines of its implementation in the first phase are still uncertain. The main challenge remains the funding, as the missing billions of euros have yet to be secured.
As the center of Riga transforms into a dramatically delayed and overpriced construction site for „Rail Baltica,“ the actual appearance of this project in its initial phase in Latvia is still unclear. Various solutions have been proposed to tackle this construction, aiming to at least start the work by 2030, or in the first phase of the project. The latest proposal from the Ministry of Transport suggests commencing construction from the Lithuanian border to the so-called Misa triangle, and then continuing in a straight line towards the connection with Estonia.
The question then arises about what to do with the long-debated Riga, to ensure that trains initially stop in the Latvian capital. The current proposal suggests continuing construction from the Lithuanian border to Riga Airport, up to the planned international station. This station would be connected to the central station via the existing 1520 mm railway connection, which is compatible with Russian gauge tracks. Electric trains can already run on the existing Russian gauge tracks up to Imanta, and a few additional kilometers of tracks would need to be built to connect to the airport. The connection between the central railway station and the airport station would be served by current „Skoda“ electric trains.
This solution was discussed on Tuesday at a thematic committee meeting on the implementation of „Rail Baltica.“ The station itself is planned to be completed by reallocating funds from other project budgets. The embankment between the two objects would be wide enough to allow for a future connection with European gauge tracks when „Rail Baltica“ eventually enters Riga from the north, from Estonia. The Ministry of Transport sees no issues in building infrastructure that complies with Russian standards in such a geopolitical project.
The massive challenge of completing all this by 2030 is not only technical but also financial. The exact amount needed will depend on further negotiations in Brussels, but it is clear that at least two billion euros, and likely much more, will be required. The source of funding, whether through private partners or foreign loans, is still uncertain.
From a financial perspective, the project is slowly moving towards economic viability, although challenges remain. The decisions made regarding the construction of stations and other aspects will play a crucial role in the success of the project. The government has yet to make a decision on the further progress of the project.
In conclusion, the „Rail Baltica“ project in Latvia faces both technical and financial challenges, with the timeline for completion and the funding sources still uncertain. The government is working towards finding solutions to ensure the project’s success, but many aspects remain to be clarified and decided upon. The future of „Rail Baltica“ in Latvia will depend on the ability to secure funding and make strategic decisions to move the project forward.