Baltic states commit to high-speed rail completion by 2030

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have reaffirmed their commitment to completing the Rail Baltica high-speed rail project by 2030, despite facing significant financial challenges and delays. Launched in 2014, the project aims to connect the capitals of the three Baltic states with a new rail line that allows passenger trains to travel at speeds of up to 250 kph (155 mph). However, the initial cost estimate of 3.5 billion euros has ballooned, with recent reports indicating that an additional 19 billion euros may be required for completion. Construction began in 2019 but has been hindered by disputes over routing and rising costs, pushing the timeline back by at least five years. The first trains were originally expected to operate in 2025, but now the target has shifted to 2030. Critics argue that the project may not be economically viable for passenger travel due to the small population of the Baltic states, which totals just over 6 million. The Rail Baltica project is seen as a crucial step in reintegrating the Baltic states into the European transport network, moving away from the Soviet-era rail system that utilized a wider gauge. Once completed, the rail line will significantly reduce travel time between Tallinn and Vilnius, from nearly nine hours by car or bus to just 3 hours and 38 minutes by train. The geopolitical landscape has also shifted following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, prompting the Baltic states to emphasize the importance of infrastructure that can facilitate the rapid movement of military equipment. This has added urgency to the Rail Baltica project, which is viewed as a vital link to enhance regional security and connectivity with Europe.