Large-scale construction has officially kicked off on the Latvian section of the Rail Baltica main line, with the launch of works in the southern corridor from Misa to the Lithuanian border, a critical freight route in Northern Europe.
The official start of major construction was marked by the signing of launch documents between Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas—the project’s national implementing body in Latvia—and ERB Rail, the main contractor responsible for the works. This move transitions the project from its lengthy preparation phase into physical development on the ground, beginning with activities under four of the eleven issued building permits
First Phase Covers 45 Kilometres Toward Border
The southern section under active development spans 45 kilometers toward Lithuania. Initial work includes essential groundwork such as unexploded ordnance inspections, embankment construction, and setting up access and temporary roads. Civil engineering efforts will also involve building a railway overpass and a bridge over the Iecava River.
According to Jānis Naglis, board member at Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas, the groundwork and permitting stages—both in technical and regulatory terms—are complete for this corridor. “By signing this document, we are concluding extensive and time-consuming preparatory work that has ‘prepared the ground’ so we can now ‘put a shovel in the ground’,” said Naglis.
This section’s development is fully funded, with financial backing secured through a recent allocation of €153.3 million from the European Commission. This funding specifically supports the continuation of mainline works along the corridor stretching from Misa to the Latvian-Lithuanian border.
Strategic Node at Iecava Now Underway
At the heart of the construction is a 16-hectare site at Iecava, designated as an infrastructure maintenance point and future hub for maintenance and operations. The embankment for this facility is under construction, positioned directly alongside the deforested corridor that will carry the Rail Baltica main line.
This site already hosts a temporary construction office for ERB Rail, and access roads have been completed to support ongoing logistics. Material deliveries are in full swing, indicating readiness to scale up construction activity. According to project sources, this strategic site will be critical in facilitating both construction and future operational efficiency for the corridor.
Building Permits Divided Across 11 Segments
To streamline the approval and execution process, the southern section is divided into 11 distinct segments, each with its own building permit. Today’s agreement activates the first set of four permits, and future segments will be initiated as project coordination continues and materials and equipment arrive on site.
While not all segments are under construction yet, planning for the remaining sections is in advanced stages. The phased approach allows contractors to efficiently manage logistics, coordinate with landowners, and work around seasonal constraints.
Balancing Progress with Cost Efficiency
In parallel to construction, project officials are actively engaged in cost optimization strategies. Given the scale and cross-border nature of Rail Baltica, controlling project budgets remains a key focus. Cost reviews are being conducted in coordination with the European Commission and regional authorities to ensure funding remains sustainable.
The Rail Baltica mainline in Latvia is a critical section of the wider Rail Baltica corridor, which aims to integrate the Baltic States into the European rail network via a standard-gauge line. Once operational, it will enhance regional logistics, reduce freight transit times, and shift more cargo from road to rail—goals shared by both the EU and national governments.
With the first 45 kilometers now under active development, Latvia is moving one step closer to completing its role in the broader Rail Baltica vision—providing a modern, high-capacity rail freight corridor that connects Northern and Central Europe.
