The instability observed in the management in Baltic joint company RB Rail – which was formed in order to coordinate Rail Baltica project – hurts the project, said Latvian Minister of Transport Jānis Vitenbergs in an interview to LTV programme Rīta Panorāma on Wednesday, the 15th of February.
On Tuesday it was reported that RB Rail board chairman and executive director Agnis Driksna has decided to step down from his post.
The minister also said Rail Baltica is currently the most important infrastructure project [in the region].
«It is a priority among priorities.»
«Without this project, which is set to connect Baltic States with Western Europe, it is difficult to do other tasks,» said Vitenbergs, adding that the project is also guarantee for state security and independence.
RB Rail management notes that in ten years spent working on the Rail Baltica project, Driksna was directly involved in and responsible for the project’s strategic planning and development, including attraction of funding, cooperation with strategic partners and public involvement. «During his management term Rail Baltica project reached a new level of maturity,» RB Rail council chairperson Ligita Austrupe said, thanking Driksna for his professionalism and work. [The reasons for his decision to step down are not mentioned – BNN.]
As executive director and board chairman, Driksna was in charge of development of RB Rail, expansion of the team and attraction of world-class railway experts, as well as the strategic development of the project in the Baltic region.
Soon RB Rail will announce a public personnel selection procedure for this vacant post. Until then, board member and procurement director Marko Kivila will serve as the acting executive director. The company’s board includes Kivila, Anrī Leimanis and Marjus Narmonts.
Initially Rail Baltica costs were estimated to reach EUR 5.8 billion. However, sides involved in the project have said multiple times since the start of the project that the costs have risen considerably. Part of the costs will be covered using financing from the European Union. Rail Baltica is planned to to opened each section one after another between 2028 and 2030.
Also read: Ministry reports Latvia has gone through 42% of funding provided for Rail Baltica