Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 25, A Spanish consortium of Elecnor and Vinci subsidiary Cobra has been awarded a contract to electrify 870 km of the Rail Baltica railway across Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, marking Europe’s largest rail electrification project.

Riga, Latvia’s capital

The project, valued at approximately €1.7 billion, aims to integrate the Baltic railway system with the wider European rail network. The electrification will employ static frequency converter technology at this scale for the first time, operating alongside a 2x25kV, 50 Hz system powered by 10 traction substations.

Eugenijus Sabutis, Lithuania’s acting Minister of Transport and Communications, stated: “Rail Baltica is more than just infrastructure – it is an economic and security link to the west. This contract is particularly important for our integration into the European railway network, enabling smooth passenger and freight transport while strengthening the resilience of the Baltic region.”

Kuldar Leis, Estonia’s Infrastructure Minister, added: “Electrification will make Rail Baltica a truly functional and sustainable transport solution. Today’s contract confirms that the Baltic states can jointly implement such large-scale and complex projects.”

The electrification is a key component of the larger Rail Baltica project, which has been developing since the mid-2010s to improve connectivity between the Baltic states and the rest of Europe. The railway will support both passenger and freight transport, helping to reduce travel times, increase efficiency, and promote sustainable transport options in the region.

Construction of the main line will occur in stages, with work starting in 2026 and completion expected in 2030. Rail Baltica’s overall cost has grown significantly, with estimates in November 2024 rising to €19–25 billion, compared with the 2017 estimate of €5.8 billion. Despite the increase, the project remains a strategic investment for regional connectivity and economic integration.

The electrification project will enhance the environmental sustainability of Rail Baltica, reducing reliance on diesel locomotives and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The use of modern traction technology and substations ensures high efficiency and supports future upgrades to the railway network.

The contract demonstrates the ability of the Baltic states to cooperate on large-scale infrastructure projects, combining expertise and resources across national borders. By connecting the Baltic capitals—Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius—with the European rail system, Rail Baltica is expected to facilitate trade, mobility, and economic development in the region.

Beyond regional benefits, the project strengthens passenger and freight links between northern and central Europe, forming a critical corridor for the European Union’s Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Once operational, Rail Baltica will provide a modern, high-capacity, and environmentally friendly alternative for both travel and logistics in the Baltic region.