Regarding the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on aggressors on Rail Baltica, Driksna pointed out that both short-term and long-term effects should be considered. In the short term, the challenges are the same as in other industries: prices, inflation and supply problems for materials. For example, previously 90% of the metal came from Russia, but now we have to look for other supply channels.
“In the long run, however, it must be understood that any crisis also comes with opportunities. For example, in the past, Rail Baltica was mainly seen as an economic corridor, but its military significance was not mentioned much. Now it is very important that all Rail Baltica “The technical parameters meet the military needs,” said Driksna, explaining that the load per axle can be as high as 25 tonnes, which also ensures the movement of military equipment.
He pointed out that the philosophy is changing as well, as the Baltics are not only the external border of the European Union (EU) but also of NATO. Moreover, if Finland joins NATO, the Baltic states will not be the end of the border, but the middle.
“This requires an efficient transportation system,” said the head of RB Rail.
Rail Baltica’s compliance with military requirements was already foreseen in the corridor planning phase in 2016. Both the axles and the axle load and the dimensions between the rails meet these requirements in terms of load-bearing capacity.
“But now we have to look at additional things – they are connections. [Latvijā] not only a connection with Adazi and the airport is needed, but another connection, “said Driksna.
He added that there is also a short-term and long-term strategy for military mobility. Rail Baltica is not part of the short-term strategy, and in the short term both Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia look primarily at roads and existing railway infrastructure. Rail Baltica, on the other hand, can be part of a medium-term strategy, Driksna emphasized.
The Rail Baltica project envisages the creation of a European standard gauge railway line from Tallinn to the Lithuanian-Polish border, so that the Baltic States can be further connected to other European countries by rail. In the Baltic States, it is planned to build a new 870-kilometer-long European gauge railway line (1,435 millimeters) with a maximum train speed of 240 kilometers per hour.
The cost of Rail Baltica is expected to reach 5.8 billion euros, including the branch decided to be built between Kaunas and Vilnius. Part of the costs will be covered by European Union funds. It is planned that the Rail Baltica railway line will be ready for traffic in 2026.
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