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To expedite the construction of Rail Baltica in Lithuania, the project governance model has been revised with the agreement of all stakeholders. As a result, LTG Infra, the company responsible for implementing the project, is now taking over the contracts related to its implementation in Lithuania. One of these contracts is the largest design contract to date for the 78 km section of Rail Baltica from Kaunas to Ramygala. This contract, originally with the Spanish designer IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture, S.A.U., has been taken over from RB Rail AS, a joint venture between the three Baltic States.

Until 2024, the Rail Baltica project governance model was more centralized, involving all implementing authorities, ministries, and the international RB Rail AS company. The management of the design activities for the mainline in all the Baltic countries was under the responsibility of RB Rail AS. However, due to the national specificities and different implementation strategies of contracting activities in each country, decisions were made to reallocate design responsibilities.

“Last year, we agreed to change the governance model as a way to expedite the project’s contracting work. By adopting autonomous management of design contracts for each country, we are accelerating decision-making, implementation, and management processes. One result of this change is the takeover of the former tripartite design contract with IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture, S.A.U.,”, said Egidijus Lazauskas, CEO of LTG Group.

In Lithuania, IDOM is overseeing two ongoing design contracts for the 114 km section from Kaunas to Panevėžys. This project includes designing all necessary structures for the embankment construction, such as the Neris Bridge, access roads, melioration, and engineering infrastructure.

“Since taking over the contract, the work has been progressing smoothly. We are collaborating closely and appreciate the designer’s commitment to completing all design activities promptly and with the highest quality. This is crucial for us as construction will intensify this year and extend across the 114 km section,” said Vytis Žalimas, CEO of LTG Infra.

“IDOM is delighted with the new close collaboration with LTG Infra, marked by recent agreements that will enable us to continue supporting the Lithuanian Rail Baltica project during the construction phase of the designed sections. With over 20 years of experience in high-speed rail projects, IDOM is committed to continue adding value to the Rail Baltica project in Lithuania,” said Lluis Pou, IDOM's Rail and Transit Managing Director.

In addition to the Neris Bridge, the project includes the construction of 20 road viaducts, 31 railway viaducts, 7 railway bridges, 7 animal crossings, and other structures along the stretch. The total value of the previously awarded design contracts is €14.95 million, excluding VAT.

Under the new governance model, the joint venture RB Rail AS will ensure the unified implementation of the project. Each country’s implementing authority, such as LTG Infra in Lithuania, will be responsible for preparatory work, design, construction, preparation for operation, and future maintenance of the created infrastructure.

Rail Baltica is a strategic project of the LTG Group and the European Union, and the largest railway infrastructure project in the history of the Baltic States, which will provide an electrified European-standard railway linking Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia with Central and Western Europe, ensuring regional integration, civil and military mobility. The total length of the Rail Baltica line in the Baltic States will reach 870 km: 392 km in Lithuania, 265 km in Latvia and 213 km in Estonia.