The costs of Rail Baltica’s main track in Latvia are estimated at EUR 3.7 billion. Implementation of the first stage of construction work requires financing of EUR 165 million (excluding VAT).
On Tuesday, the 19th of December, the Cabinet of Ministers reviewed the report prepared by the Ministry of Transport regarding the procurement of construction services for Rail Baltica’s main track, as well as the financing required to complete it.
By signing the contract, Latvia will assume the obligations of the state budget only for the first stage of construction work for which the financing of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) has already been provided, the Ministry of Transport reports.
The contract includes construction Rail Baltica main track outside of Riga in the following directions: Estonian border-Vangaži, Vangaži-Salaspils-Misa and Misa-Lithuanian border. The contract also provides for the railway line connecting Riga International Airport and Misa.
Also read: There is enough money to continue Rail Baltica project
Construction work of Rail Baltica main track outside Riga will include the creation of railway substructures – embankments, road overpasses, and railway superstructure – tracks and other related infrastructure. These tasks are divided into two regions of approximately 230 km in length – southern (approximately 130 km in length) and northern (approximately 100 km in length), which in turn are divided into shorter sections or building permits.
The contract with the construction company was developed based on terms of the world renowned International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC).
Also, based on the internationally recognised early involvement method, the builder’s involvement in the already ongoing design phase will take place, allowing for the optimisation of solutions according to the construction technology chosen by the builder.
The contract itself is planned to be divided into stages. The first stage of construction work is planned for Bauska County near Iecava, where in the future the Rail Baltica infrastructure maintenance point will be located. Initial work will include the mobilisation of the regional team of the southern part and the necessary resources, the finalisation of construction projects and preparation for construction work, the creation of a construction work base, as well as railway substructure work in accordance with the first five construction permits for a length of 13 km.
Once the contract for the construction of Rail Baltica’s main track has been signed, monitoring of the implementation of related work will be performed by the Ministry of Transport.
The Ministry of Transport is also working on a report on the scope, costs and implementation plans of the Rail Baltica project in order to ensure the functionality of the project and the connection of the railway line to the European railway system by 2030.
Also read: Baltic auditors sign cooperation agreement to study situation with Rail Baltica
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Rail Baltica main track costs for Latvia estimated at EUR 3.7 billion
