In Lithuania, one of the most important stages of track superstructure construction has been completed on the nearly 9 km-long section of the new European standard gauge Rail Baltica double-track railway. The rails have been flash welded into continuous welded rail (CWR). The project will now move on to the next stage, the installation of turnout systems.

“Each completed stage of construction brings us closer to our primary goal of delivering a modern European rail connection. Today, it is increasingly important to speak not only about plans but also about tangible results already visible on construction sites. This steady progress strengthens confidence in the project and lays a solid foundation for its subsequent implementation stages,” says Rail Baltica Lithuania Chief Officer Mindaugas Ivanavičius.

Continuous welded rail technology ensures track stability, long-term durability of the infrastructure, and reliable operation. This is particularly important for the Rail Baltica line, which is designed for passenger train speeds of up to 249 km/h. A high-quality track structure is one of the key prerequisites for ensuring safe and comfortable railway operations in the future.

To ensure the highest quality standards, every rail weld is independently inspected and assessed. Engineering and technical supervision specialists verify compliance with technical requirements and the stringent standards applicable to high-speed railway infrastructure.

Track superstructure construction works are being carried out by the joint venture partners Leonhard Weiss International (Germany) and Leonhard Weiss OÜ (Estonia). The turnout systems for this section of Rail Baltica are currently being manufactured by voestalpine Railway Systems Lietuva.

Meanwhile, construction and design activities are continuing across other Rail Baltica sections in Lithuania, including the modernisation of the section between the Polish-Lithuanian border and Kaunas, the development of signalling subsystem for this route, the design of individual point infrastructure projects, and procurement procedures for future project activities.

Lithuania has secured funding for the construction of 114 km of the Rail Baltica mainline and is seeking additional financing during the next European Union funding period. Construction progress remains one of the key factors in ensuring the project’s continued development.

Rail Baltica is a strategic project for both the LTG Group and the European Union and is the largest railway infrastructure project in the history of the Baltic States. Once completed, it will deliver an electrified European standard gauge railway line connecting Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with Central and Western Europe, strengthening regional integration, civil and military mobility, and the overall resilience of the transport system.