The framework sum of the Rail Baltica railway project and possible funding sources are expected to be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers in September, Minister of Transport Atis Švinka (P) said in an interview with LETA.
He refrained from naming a specific amount, noting that this is an “extremely important and financially responsible decision” that concerns the state budget. “I have the responsibility to also name the source of funding. It would be irresponsible, as has been done in the past, to announce different figures completely without backing,” the minister said.
Asked what financial instruments could be tapped for the “Rail Baltica” main line, Švinka explained that considerable funding is allocated from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). However, the challenge lies in the wide scope, which includes multiple sectors.
“It is known that Cohesion Fund reallocations are also underway, covering the Riga Airport station, Riga Central Station, and the connection between Riga Airport, Imanta, the Central Station, and Salaspils. Given the complexity of attracting such financing, we understand that we must also look at other funds,” Švinka added.
He noted that
one option is linked to military mobility,
and that opportunities are being explored to involve the European Security Action Fund (SAFE), since the project also serves military mobility purposes — ensuring connections with Europe, enabling the transport of large cargo, and linking to military bases in Ādaži and the Selonia training area.
The minister also mentioned that public–private partnerships are being considered for certain sections. “All this still has to be finalized, which is why I have asked for an extension of the deadline. The work is essentially done; we just need to put the finishing touches before the report is submitted to the Cabinet,” Švinka said.
According to “RB Rail,” the first stage of “Rail Baltica” could cost 14.3 billion euros across the Baltics, with 5.5 billion euros in Latvia. However, there is potential savings of up to €500 million from technical optimization, along with other possible cost reductions.
Total project costs, according to the cost–benefit analysis, could reach 23.8 billion euros in the Baltics. The previous analysis in 2017 estimated the overall cost at 5.8 billion euros.
The “Rail Baltica” project envisions constructing a European-gauge railway line from Tallinn to the Lithuanian–Polish border, providing further rail connections between the Baltic states and other European countries. In the Baltics, the plan foresees 870 kilometers of new European standard-gauge (1,435 mm) railway, with trains running at speeds of up to 240 km/h.
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