Working Together: Rail Baltica’s cooperation with Poland gets a boost with an expert workshop

A recent expert workshop held in Poland on 19 and 20 July 2023 brought together experts from RB Rail AS, LTG Infra, and PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. to foster discussions on various topics related to the Rail Baltica project, solidifying collaboration between the three entities involved. 

Participants engaged in discussions and working sessions encompassing various aspects of the Rail Baltica, including exchange of essential information on work schedules, technical parameters, and the interface of Control-Command Signalling (CCS) and electrification (ENE) and subsystems. The touchpoint solutions were explored in depth, addressing system integration, location of phase separation points, and cross-border control command signaling solutions. Another significant focus was on how the investment would be carried out across the cross-border section, covering aspects such as liability, financing, maintenance, and procurement. Additionally, event participants discussed traffic management during the investment phase on both the Polish and Lithuanian sides, considering the existing rail lines and the impact on traffic flow.

Furthermore, topics centered around renewable energy sources were raised, revolving discussions around obtaining energy from renewable sources in railway infrastructure and developing infrastructure for charging battery-operated trains, emphasizing the project's commitment to eco-friendly practices.

“We are actively aligning our global project delivery program to effectively track progress and facilitate timely decision-making. Significant parts of this cooperation are the organization of the train operation through the border and the synchronization of construction schedules with our closest partners in Poland,” said Jean-Marc Bedmar, Head of Systems and Operations Department at RB Rail AS. 

“The expert workshop has provided an exceptional platform for exchanging ideas and insights. It strengthens the bonds between our organizations and takes us a step closer to realizing the Rail Baltica vision,” he added. 

Mantas Kaušylas, Head of Projects Preparation at Rail Baltica Management, LTG Infra, echoed the sentiment: "It was a great experience coming together and focusing on renewable energy. We want Rail Baltica to be a sustainable and modern railway project for everyone."

The workshop was part of the continued collaboration between RB Rail AS, LTG Infra, and PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. On February 2023, to reinforce the close partnership with Poland and one of the key strategic partners of Rail Baltica – PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A., a tripartite letter of intent was signed between the global project coordinator in Baltic states and delivery organization RB Rail AS, national implementing body in Lithuania LTG Infra and the Polish railway infrastructure manager on implementation of Rail Baltica corridor in the Polish/Lithuanian border section at technical and operational levels.