EUR 116.9 million earmarked for Rail Baltica project in Latvia this year

RIGA - EUR 116.9 million will be allocated for implementation of the Rail Baltica railroad project this year, the Transport Ministry told LETA.

Of this amount, European Union financing makes up EUR 53.9 million.

"In order to ensure that the project is implemented without delay in the future, I have proposed setting up a special commission that will operate under my oversight. We have to realize that this is a project of national importance, and it is important that all ministries, institutions are parties involved participate in implementation of the project," said Transport Minister Janis Vitenbergs, adding that deadlines must be met but, as importantly, the project had to proceed in a well thought out way and according to the highest quality standards.

This year, EUR 40 million has been earmarked for Rail Baltica and related infrastructure construction at Riga Central Rail Station.

EUR 15.3 million will be allocated for the construction of Rail Baltica railroad and train station at Riga Airport this year.

After the conclusion of an international tender and endorsement of specific construction projects, construction of Rail Baltica railroad from Riga to the Lithuanian border will commence. EUR 25.07 million will be provided for Salaspils intermodal freight terminal, infrastructure maintenance points in Skulte and Iecava, and other Rail Baltica projects.

EUR 34.13 million has been earmarked for purchases of real estate necessary for construction of the Rail Baltica railroad this year.