Estonia makes major step forward in Rail Baltica project: route plan approved for Pärnumaa section

Yesterday the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications in Estonia announced a major advancement in the project’s development. Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry, Erkki Keldo, has signed a decree confirming the route plan for the Pärnumaa section of Rail Baltica, enabling construction to begin in a region where progress had been halted since a Supreme Court ruling partially annulled the previous plan in 2020.

“Rail Baltica is a strategically important infrastructure project for Estonia and the entire Baltic region. It will create a modern and environmentally friendly transport connection with the European railway network, reduce road traffic congestion, and foster economic development while also serving as a backbone for military mobility on NATO’s eastern flank,” said Minister Keldo.

With construction preparation in full swing, alliance contracts are being finalized with international consortia. Anvar Salomets, CEO of Rail Baltic Estonia, confirmed that construction contracts for nearly the entire Estonian mainline are expected to be signed by May, with the goal of launching high-speed rail service between Tallinn and Warsaw by 2030.

Marko Kivila, CEO of RB Rail AS - the joint venture responsible for the global coordination of the Rail Baltica project - highlighted the broader significance of Estonia’s progress. “Each national milestone is a step forward for the entire Rail Baltica corridor. The approval of the Pärnumaa route plan sends a strong signal that the project is moving from planning into full-scale implementation. As a unified European infrastructure initiative, Rail Baltica strengthens the security of the entire Baltic region within the EU transport network.”

The approved county plan defines a 350-meter-wide railway corridor. Within this, the 66-meter-wide railway area will be fenced off over a 35-meter span and include necessary infrastructure such as tracks, power lines, drainage systems, and service roads. Local residents will benefit from new mobility options, including stops planned in Surju and Urissaare. A supporting road network is also planned to ensure continued access to residential areas, farmland, and forests during both construction and operation.

Environmental concerns have been a key focus throughout planning. Ecological bridges (ecoducts) and protective zones will preserve habitat connectivity and wildlife movement, particularly in sensitive natural areas. Noise mitigation areas will be identified during the design phase to safeguard both residents and nature. In addition, comprehensive mitigation and compensation measures will address potential environmental impacts, including those on the Luitemaa bird area and its capercaillie population.

Rail Baltica is co-financed by the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), underlining its strategic role in the EU’s vision for sustainable and integrated transport infrastructure across member states.

 

About Rail Baltica 

Rail Baltica is one of Europe's largest high-speed infrastructure projects, aiming to establish a modern and sustainable rail link that connects the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with the European rail network. It is also a part of the trans-European transport corridor.

Rail Baltica will be a fully electrified, double-track railway with a standard gauge of 1435 mm and will be equipped with ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) and designed to meet European standards. With a design speed of 249 km/h, Rail Baltica will significantly reduce travel times between the Baltic States and major European cities. It will serve as a modern infrastructure for passenger, freight, and military mobility, promoting accessibility and facilitating business, tourism, and cultural exchange. Additionally, the project will enhance the Baltic region's position as a vital transit hub, fostering stronger trade connections and promoting regional cooperation.

About RB Rail AS 

RB Rail AS is a multinational joint venture of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania established to lead and coordinate the implementation of the Rail Baltica Global Project, the first infrastructure development project of this scale in the Baltic region. More about Rail Baltica global project: www.railbaltica.org