Estonian government launches Rail Baltica planning process

TALLINN – Today, Estonian government approved a bill submitted by the Regional Affairs Minister Siim Kiisler, initiating the county-level development planning processes for determining the Rail Baltica railway route location in Harju, Rapla and Parnu counties, Aripaev Online reports.

The aim of compiling the county development plans is to determine the route of the railway line via these three counties, by taking into account interests of different interest groups.

Kiisler said that the planning process of the Rail Baltica route will be very complicated since a lot of land and environment issues have to be solved. Thus all sides have to be listened to and good cooperation of county governments, local municipalities and citizens is essential.

According to current plans, the Estonian leg of the Rail Baltica route is planned to have stops in Tallinn's Baltic Railway Station, Tallinn Airport and in Parnu. Maintenance station is planned to be erected in Rapla.

Kiisler said that Rail Baltica would finally enable Estonia to have a fast land connection with Europe.