Latest news with #RailBaltica
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
High-Speed Rail Plan to Link European Countries Gets $1 Billion Boost
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Estonia's section of the Rail Baltica high-speed rail project has moved into its development phase after project leaders signed two major construction contracts valued at up to 932 million euros, the equivalent of $1.06 billion. The contracts, awarded to international consortia led by GRK Suomi and Bouygues Travaux Publics, span the Ülemiste–Pärnu and Pärnu–Ikla railway sections. Construction preparations are now underway, with the goal of physically linking Estonia's capital to the rest of the Baltic region and Europe. Newsweek contacted the managers of Estonia's section of the project via email for more information. Why It Matters The Rail Baltica project is one of the largest active projects in the European transportation industry, designed to connect the Baltic capitals of Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius directly to Poland, and ultimately to Western Europe. The project took on a new urgency after the escalation of the war between Ukraine and Russia because it would make the Baltic states less reliant on Russian infrastructure. What To Know The construction procurement milestone allows Estonia's 215-kilometer portion of Rail Baltica to proceed, though the final construction relies on Latvia and Lithuania also delivering their segments of the rail. The consortium led by GRK Suomi includes Finnish, Estonian, French and Swedish partners taking charge of substructure and superstructure works for the Ülemiste–Pärnu and Tootsi–Pärnu segments. A new terminal for Rail Baltica by Zaha Hadid Architects. A new terminal for Rail Baltica by Zaha Hadid Architects. Zaha Hadid Architects Bouygues Travaux Publics—working with partners from France, Poland and Estonia—is responsible for the Pärnu–Ikla section. Rail Baltica is the largest railway project under construction in Europe, covering almost 900 kilometers. Once completed, it will connect passengers and freight from Tallinn to Warsaw through Latvia and Lithuania, and indirectly to Finland via ferry links. The plan is to have portions operational by 2028, with full completion set for 2030. However, concerns have been raised by officials that Latvia may not be able to complete its segment on time, which would delay the entire project. A joint audit from Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian investigators found that the country may need 7.6 billion euros more than originally planned to complete its segment. In response to the report, Andris Kulbergs, the chair of the Latvian Saeima's Rail Baltica inquiry committee, said: "We have a contract. All three of us—Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania—are in the same boat. If one of us fails, we all share the cost. The penalties must be paid even on another country's behalf." What People Are Saying The Lithuanian Ministry of Transport and Communications told Newsweek: "Rail Baltica is our strategic priority and a geopolitical necessity. The project aims to connect Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with their Western allies through a north-south railway axis using the standard European gauge of 1435 mm. This shift is crucial for the military mobility across the Baltics, enhancing our capacity and integration with Europe. "Furthermore, the revised Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Regulation now foresees the development of a new European-gauge railway line to Klaipėda and a new transport corridor connecting the Baltic, Black and Aegean Seas, thus further enhancing Rail Bartica's impact and reach. "The strategic importance of Rail Baltica is growing not only considering the geopolitical situation in Europe, but also the expansion of the unified European transport network corridors and future connections with Ukraine. The Rail Baltica project will serve as a strong foundation for establishing a new economic and security corridor with Ukraine, which is crucial for our collective security." What Happens Next Construction on Estonia's section is set to begin after the current development phase, with major works expected in 2026.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Merko Ehitus signs contract for construction of Rail Baltica's Ulemiste terminal
Merko Ehitus Eesti, a subsidiary of the Merko Ehitus group, has entered into a construction agreement with OU Rail Baltic Estonia for the development of the Rail Baltica Ulemiste international passenger terminal in Tallinn. The total value of the contract is estimated at €85m ($96m) with construction set to commence in November 2025 and completion expected by October 2028. Funding for the construction contract is provided by the European Union Cohesion Fund (CF) and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). Rail Baltic Estonia management board chairman Anvar Salomets said: 'The Ulemiste Linda Terminal is unprecedented in Estonian railway history – it is not just a building but a new gateway from Estonia to the world.' The contract encompasses both the design and construction of the terminal, which will be named "Linda" and is being designed by the architectural firm Zaha Hadid Architects. The terminal will be situated across Suur-Sojamae street, adjacent to the planned Rail Baltica railway and the existing Estonian Railways infrastructure. The terminal building will feature a section that spans approximately 180m over the railway, reaching a height of about 20m, equivalent to a six-storey structure. To facilitate train access, three platforms measuring a total of around 1,250m will be constructed alongside the railway tracks, with approximately half of this area covered by a canopy. The terminal will showcase a distinctive facade and roof design, adhering to all European railway traffic regulations, and will be built without disrupting current rail services. Merko Ehitus Eesti management board chairman Jaan Mäe said: 'Rail Baltica is a landmark project that brings Europe closer to Estonia and provides work for many companies. 'Constructing such a large-scale building of world-class architecture here in Estonia is a unique opportunity.' Recently, Estonia signed two construction contracts totalling €726m ($810.5m) for the Rail Baltica project. The contracts, awarded to international consortia, will develop two key sections of the Estonian mainline. "Merko Ehitus signs contract for construction of Rail Baltica's Ulemiste terminal" was originally created and published by Railway Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Construction contract in Estonia (Rail Baltica Ülemiste passenger terminal)
Visual: RB Ülemiste passenger terminal, Zaha Hadid Architects / Rail Baltic Estonia On 21 May 2025, AS Merko Ehitus Eesti, part of the AS Merko Ehitus group, and OÜ Rail Baltic Estonia signed a construction contract for the Rail Baltica Ülemiste international passenger terminal in Tallinn. The contract covers the design and construction works of the Ülemiste terminal building, which will be named "Linda" and is designed by the internationally renowned architectural company Zaha Hadid Architects. The terminal building will be constructed across Suur-Sõjamäe street, the planned Rail Baltica railway, and the existing Estonian Railways infrastructure. The section of the terminal building crossing the railway will be approximately 180 metres long and will rise about 20 metres above street level – the equivalent of a six-storey building. To access the train, three platforms with a total length of approximately 1,250 meters will be built next to the railway tracks, about half of which will be covered with a canopy. With a unique facade and roof solution in Estonia, the building will meet all European railway traffic standards and will be constructed without interrupting existing rail operations. The contract value is approximately 85 million euros, plus VAT. The construction deadline is October 2028. ( is a recognised Estonian construction company, which offers construction services in general construction, civil engineering and residential construction. Additional information: AS Merko Ehitus Eesti, member of the Management Board, Mr. Veljo Viitmann, phone: +372 680 5105. Urmas SomelarHead of FinanceAS Merko Ehitus+372 650 ( group companies construct buildings and infrastructure and develop real estate. We create a better living environment and build the future. We operate in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. As at the end of 2024, the group employed 605 people, and the group's revenue for 2024 was EUR 539 million. Attachment Visual: RB Ülemiste passenger terminal, Zaha Hadid Architects / Rail Baltic EstoniaError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Upturn
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Construction contract in Estonia (Rail Baltica Ülemiste passenger terminal)
On 21 May 2025, AS Merko Ehitus Eesti, part of the AS Merko Ehitus group, and OÜ Rail Baltic Estonia signed a construction contract for the Rail Baltica Ülemiste international passenger terminal in Tallinn. The contract covers the design and construction works of the Ülemiste terminal building, which will be named 'Linda' and is designed by the internationally renowned architectural company Zaha Hadid Architects. The terminal building will be constructed across Suur-Sõjamäe street, the planned Rail Baltica railway, and the existing Estonian Railways infrastructure. Advertisement The section of the terminal building crossing the railway will be approximately 180 metres long and will rise about 20 metres above street level – the equivalent of a six-storey building. To access the train, three platforms with a total length of approximately 1,250 meters will be built next to the railway tracks, about half of which will be covered with a canopy. With a unique facade and roof solution in Estonia, the building will meet all European railway traffic standards and will be constructed without interrupting existing rail operations. The contract value is approximately 85 million euros, plus VAT. The construction deadline is October 2028. AS Merko Ehitus Eesti ( is a recognised Estonian construction company, which offers construction services in general construction, civil engineering and residential construction. Additional information: AS Merko Ehitus Eesti, member of the Management Board, Mr. Veljo Viitmann, phone: +372 680 5105. Urmas Somelar Head of Finance AS Merko Ehitus +372 650 1250 [email protected] AS Merko Ehitus ( group companies construct buildings and infrastructure and develop real estate. We create a better living environment and build the future. We operate in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. As at the end of 2024, the group employed 605 people, and the group's revenue for 2024 was EUR 539 million. Attachment Visual: RB Ülemiste passenger terminal, Zaha Hadid Architects / Rail Baltic Estonia Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Construction contract in Estonia (Rail Baltica Ülemiste passenger terminal)
Visual: RB Ülemiste passenger terminal, Zaha Hadid Architects / Rail Baltic Estonia On 21 May 2025, AS Merko Ehitus Eesti, part of the AS Merko Ehitus group, and OÜ Rail Baltic Estonia signed a construction contract for the Rail Baltica Ülemiste international passenger terminal in Tallinn. The contract covers the design and construction works of the Ülemiste terminal building, which will be named "Linda" and is designed by the internationally renowned architectural company Zaha Hadid Architects. The terminal building will be constructed across Suur-Sõjamäe street, the planned Rail Baltica railway, and the existing Estonian Railways infrastructure. The section of the terminal building crossing the railway will be approximately 180 metres long and will rise about 20 metres above street level – the equivalent of a six-storey building. To access the train, three platforms with a total length of approximately 1,250 meters will be built next to the railway tracks, about half of which will be covered with a canopy. With a unique facade and roof solution in Estonia, the building will meet all European railway traffic standards and will be constructed without interrupting existing rail operations. The contract value is approximately 85 million euros, plus VAT. The construction deadline is October 2028. ( is a recognised Estonian construction company, which offers construction services in general construction, civil engineering and residential construction. Additional information: AS Merko Ehitus Eesti, member of the Management Board, Mr. Veljo Viitmann, phone: +372 680 5105. Urmas SomelarHead of FinanceAS Merko Ehitus+372 650 ( group companies construct buildings and infrastructure and develop real estate. We create a better living environment and build the future. We operate in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. As at the end of 2024, the group employed 605 people, and the group's revenue for 2024 was EUR 539 million. Attachment Visual: RB Ülemiste passenger terminal, Zaha Hadid Architects / Rail Baltic Estonia
