“At the moment, inaccurate information is being circulated and political narratives prevail about the alleged fact that Rail Baltica Riga Airport terminal will not be compatible with 1 520 mm width of the railway tracks. Therefore, I would like to address concerns – it is possible to adapt the RIX Riga Airport “Rail Baltica” terminal to 1 520 mm gauge railway,” says European Railway Lines (EDzL) representative Ēriks Diļevs.
In order to find solutions to the challenges of “Rail Baltica” and ensure the fastest possible passenger transportation, experts from “Latvian Railway”, limited liability company “European Railway Lines” and “RB Rail” have developed an offer to create a 1 520 mm gauge railway connection from Riga Central Passenger Station to RIX Riga Airport Station.
This solutions would allow using Vivi trains on this route even before the first stage of Rail Baltica project is completed, Diļevs explains.
“The proposal was presented to the ministry responsible for this sector, other ministries, project partners and officials who follow the progress of the project every day. Overall, it has gained conceptual support. However, given that inaccurate information is currently being disseminated and political narratives prevail, I would like to put concerns to rest – yes, it is possible to make the RIX Riga Airport “Rail Baltica” terminal compatible with 1 520 mm gauge railway,” stressed Diļevs.
“First of all, it is important to emphasize that this solution differs from the one originally planned. The Rail Baltica terminal at Riga Airport is built for the European track gauge (1 435 mm), so there are differences in gauges compared to the so-called Soviet (1 520 mm) track gauge. However, these gauge differences are not an obstacle to providing a solution that meets current passenger demand and needs.
Rail Baltica Riga Airport terminal was originally intended to accommodate two passing and one shuttle road with a gauge of 1 435 mm. However, adapting to the current situation, it is possible to place one or in the future even several 1520 mm tracks, which would allow to provide passenger transport with the planned train intensity – once every 30 minutes,” the company’s representative added.
Initially, one fully electrified 1 520 mm track will be located in the middle of the terminal. This will be the most convenient solution for passengers.
In the future, when there is clarity about the future Riga integration strategy, the gauges of the existing tracks can be adapted to other needs. Contact network supports will be designed to accommodate different tracks.