Construction of a dual-usemilitary and civilian—cargo terminal and the expansion of railway infrastructure have officially begun in Palemonas. These projects will strengthen Lithuania’s ability to receive and efficiently handle NATO military cargo and will enhance the country’s role in the Alliance’s logistics chain.

The start of construction was marked by a symbolic time capsule burial ceremony attended by the ministers of transport and national defense, as well as executives from the LTG Group and contractors. This step marks the official launch of the project and underscores its importance to national security and the NATO logistics chain.

“Railways are particularly important for both civilian evacuation and the rapid movement of military forces across Europe. By investing in the development of military mobility infrastructure in Palemonas, we are strengthening the security of Lithuania and the entire Baltic region,” said Minister of Transport Juras Taminskas.

The project will significantly expand the intermodal terminal’s loading and storage capacities. This is particularly important for receiving and transshipping NATO military cargo arriving on 1,435 mm gauge tracks in accordance with European standards and subsequently transported on 1,520 mm gauge tracks to Latvia, Estonia, or the Port of Klaipėda. This will also ensure more effective deployment and support of the German brigade in Lithuania.

“By investing in military mobility today, we are investing in Lithuania’s security, readiness, and even closer cooperation with our allies. Modern infrastructure—roads, railways, and logistics hubs—is an integral part of a strong nation. The Palemonas loading yard will ensure that Lithuania is ready to quickly receive allied forces, effectively coordinate logistics, and strengthen the resilience of NATO’s eastern flank,” says Minister of National Defense Robertas Kaunas.

Arūnas Rumskas, Acting CEO of the LTG Group, states that this project is one of LTG’s most significant contributions to national security.

“The expansion of military mobility infrastructure in Palemonas is a strategic step that strengthens Lithuania’s readiness to receive large flows of military cargo and ensures that our railway network operates as reliably as the logistics hubs of the most modern NATO countries. This is an investment that is equally important for both national defense and civilian logistics,” says A. Rumskas.

The work that has begun will significantly increase the capacity of the intermodal terminal. The project is divided into two parts. In one part, a reinforced-surface loading yard of approximately 36,000 m²—equivalent to about five soccer fields—will be constructed and renovated in Palemonas, capable of handling cargo weighing up to 100 tons and vehicles weighing up to 120 tons. In total, approximately 46,000 m² of hard surfaces will be constructed or renovated. Two 1,435 mm and one 1,520 mm gauge tracks with terminal ramps will also be constructed, and utility networks, site security systems, and noise and vibration mitigation measures will be installed.

In another part of the project, the European 1435 mm gauge infrastructure will be expanded—three new tracks with a minimum usable length of 750 meters will be built, and three existing tracks will be extended to the same length. In total, the project will involve the reconstruction of approximately 5.5 km of railway tracks and the installation of 12 switches, as well as the renovation and installation of new utility networks. The project is being implemented using advanced BIM methodology, ensuring effective management of design and construction processes.

Once the project is completed, Palemonas will become one of the most important military mobility hubs in Lithuania, significantly increasing the country’s and the region’s readiness to receive and handle NATO military cargo.

The project is being implemented by LTG Group company “LTG Infra,” and the work will be carried out by the companies “Gevalda,” “Kauno keliai,” and “Statybų techninė priežiūra,” which won the public tenders. The total value of the project, including design, expert assessment, construction, and technical supervision, amounts to 37.4 million euros.