Strong local engagement in the construction of the Rail Baltica main line

The construction of the Rail Baltica main line in Latvia is rapidly emerging as a major economic catalyst for regional businesses. To date, 222 companies – primarily Latvian – have registered in the tender platform used by ERB Rail, Rail Baltica’s mainline contractor.

As Rail Baltica advances into the construction phase, local businesses are increasingly integrating into its international supply chain. According to ERB Rail’s procurement data compiled, 425 companies from across the Baltics are now registered as potential suppliers or subcontractors. Of these, 222 are already registered in the tender platform, including 189 from Latvia (85%).

The tender platform operates on principles like national e-procurement system, providing a transparent and competitive environment for upcoming tenders. Through the platform, businesses can register to participate in procurement calls related to the Rail Baltica mainline. An emphasis is placed on construction consultancy services, earthworks, pipe-works, in-situ concrete works, roadworks, structural metalwork, piling and precast concrete, etc.

“Engaging local suppliers is not only a strategic priority – it’s a practical necessity to ensure the project proceeds efficiently, on time, and with robust regional capacity,” said Andy Swift, Project and Construction Director at ERB Rail. “We highly value the responsiveness and professionalism of local businesses. They are key to embedding Rail Baltica within the local economy.”

Most registered companies represent sectors such as civil engineering, road construction, building materials, and technical equipment supply. Their involvement enhances the project’s capacity with local knowledge, resources, and logistical reach.

“Rail Baltica is a long-term opportunity for local businesses to integrate into a trans-European infrastructure network,” Swift added. “We’re seeing strong interest across the regions – our job is to help translate that interest into real cooperation.”

To foster engagement, ERB Rail regularly hosts outreach events across Latvia. In March, an information day was held in Iecava, connecting local business representatives with the core team behind Rail Baltica’s construction. The event focused on partnership opportunities and practical steps to join the project.

In early June, ERB Rail participated in a session of the Bauska Business Advisory Council, where local entrepreneurs were briefed on the latest developments and partnership models within the project. To date, nine companies from the Bauska region have registered in the tender platform, with an additional 30 identified as potential collaborators.

During Rail Baltica’s information day in Iecava on 27 August, ERB Rail once again attracted interest from entrepreneurs eager to learn about opportunities to join the project’s supply chain.

Derek John Clulow, ERB Rail Supplier and Subcontractor Procurement Director, underlined the importance of creating visibility for local businesses: “Even procurement packages of €50,000 to €100,000 spread across several years can be meaningful for local companies. We must do more to advertise these opportunities – not just rely on word of mouth – so that businesses can plan ahead and position themselves to contribute.”

He also emphasised the need for patience and transparency: “Over the next few months we aim to provide more clarity on the types of subcontracts, services and equipment we will require over the next several years, ranging from steelwork, precast concrete, earthworks, materials and professional services. The more visibility we give to local businesses, the stronger and more competitive our supply chain will become.”