Rail Baltica Lithuania Signs €235M Contracts for 77 km Construction Works
Track installation and embankment construction to accelerate high-speed rail progress between Kaunas, Šveicarija, and Žeimiai, boosting Lithuania’s EU connectivity.
www.railbaltica.org
LTG Infra, the LTG Group’s infrastructure arm overseeing Lithuania’s Rail Baltica project, has signed three contracts worth EUR 235 million for construction works, including 10 km of rail installation between Šveicarija and Žeimiai and an 18.9 km embankment from Kaunas to Šveicarija.
The rail installation works will be carried out by joint venture partners Leonhard Weiss International of Germany and Leonhard Weiss OÜ of Estonia. The new 8.5 km section of track formation and structures will be constructed by the contractor AB HISK, while the 10.4 km section will be implemented by joint venture partners UAB Fegda and UAB Tilsta.
“Every meter of European standard-gauge track we lay is a step forward into Lithuania’s future. We welcome the accelerating progress of the Rail Baltica project towards Panevėžys and continue our close cooperation with partners. We are laying down more than just steel – we are building a strong connection with Europe, one that will boost our economy, enhance security, and unlock new opportunities for the entire region,” said Eugenijus Sabutis, Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications.
According to Egidijus Lazauskas, CEO of LTG Group, the successful conclusion of 3 major contracts will accelerate the development of Rail Baltica infrastructure in Lithuania.
“The rail installation phase enhances project implementation, as it progresses at a much faster pace compared to embankment construction. In addition, effective supply chain management and the advance delivery of construction materials have helped to mitigate risks related to shortages and logistics. Rail Baltica’s strategic investments are not only transforming Lithuania’s transport infrastructure but are also contributing to the broader development goals of the Baltic region and the European Union - advancing a modern, safe, sustainable, and competitive railway network,” noted Lazauskas.
Rail installation scheduled for this year
The contract for the superstructure construction - track laying - has been signed, with a total value of EUR 13.9 million (excluding VAT). The majority of the work, covering an 8.8 km section, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. To ensure timely execution, LTG Infra has already procured the necessary materials, including crushed stone, sleepers, and rails. The remaining works are planned to be finalized in the first quarter of 2027, according to the contractor’s schedule.
According to Alexander Schneider, a representative of the management board at Leonhard Weiss International, Rail Baltica is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the region.
“We are honoured to contribute to the implementation of the strategically important Rail Baltica project in Lithuania. Our experience in delivering large-scale, complex infrastructure projects will ensure high-quality execution, efficient processes, and smooth collaboration with project partners. We are committed to working at a fast pace, meeting deadlines, and support the development of smart railway infrastructure across the region,” Schneider stated during his visit to Lithuania.
The new embankment section has been divided between two contractors
LTG Infra has also signed 2 contracts for the section from Kaunas (Palemonas) to Šveicarija, which was divided into two parts due to its complexity.
The first contract, covering 8.5 km of embankment and engineering structures, will be undertaken by AB HISK. Valued at EUR 97.8 million (excluding VAT), the contract is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2028. Additionally, in July this year, HISK signed a separate contract for a 12.1 km embankment section between Šėta and Ramygala.
“We are delighted to have secured a second Rail Baltica contract this summer. This achievement not only reflects our team’s capability to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects, but also demonstrates the trust placed in HISK as a strategic partner across the Baltic region. Leveraging digitised processes, advanced technical solutions, and the expertise of our team, we are committed to delivering both Rail Baltica sections efficiently and with an innovative approach,” said Robertas Ziminskis, CEO of HISK.
The second contract, for a 10.4 km section, was awarded to UAB Fegda and UAB Tilsta, both of which are actively involved in the delivery of the Rail Baltica project. The contract is valued at EUR 123.5 million (excluding VAT) and is also expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2028.
“We appreciate the opportunity to continue contributing to the Rail Baltica project. This marks the third European gauge railway section entrusted to our group of companies in Lithuania. Having recently completed the Šveicarija-Žeimiai section, we are now beginning work on the Kaunas-Šveicarija segment, which spans more than 10 km. This continuity enables us to build on the experience we’ve already gained,” remarked Jonas Jablonskis, CEO of Fegda.
The works cover a 77 km section
According to Vytis Žalimas, CEO of LTG Infra, contractors such as Leonhard Weiss, HISK, Fegda, and Tilsta possess the extensive experience and technical expertise required for this complex phase of high-speed railway construction.
“We are pleased to welcome new professional contractors to this international project and to see our existing partners expanding the geographical scope of construction. Our priority remains the delivery of the Lithuanian section to the highest standards, ensuring long-term value for both the state and society,” stated Žalimas.
In total, the construction of the main railway line and signed contracts for works in Lithuania now cover a 77 km section. By the end of this year, contracts will be signed, and preparatory and construction works will commence on a 114 km section. The construction works are financed by the European Union and the state budget.
www.railbaltica.com
