The three national implementing bodies for Rail Baltica—Rail Baltic Estonia, Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas, and LTG Infra—along with coordinator RB Rail AS, have released Version 1 of the Network Statement. This document provides the first consolidated overview of technical, operational, and access conditions for the cross-border high-speed railway, marking a shift from large-scale construction to an operational framework for the project across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Did You Know? The Rail Baltica project is designed for speeds of up to 249 km/h and will be fully electrified, using the 1,435 mm standard gauge common across the broader European rail network.
Why the Network Statement matters
The publication serves as an official invitation to the railway market, according to Julien Pellerin, Operation and Capacity Manager at LTG Infra. By establishing a unified reference framework, the document allows future operators and freight customers to begin planning their engagement with the line. It serves as a practical demonstration of the cross-border cooperation required to integrate the Baltic states into the North Sea-Baltic and Baltic Sea-Black Sea-Aegean Sea Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) corridors.
What happens next for the rail corridor
Version 1 is currently an informational tool and does not yet support formal capacity applications. As the project advances, the implementing bodies intend to refine and expand the document into a formal Network Statement. This future version will include specific chapters on charging principles, capacity allocation, and operational procedures, in alignment with Directive 2012/34/EU. A separate statement covering the Polish section of the line will be issued by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe.
Expert Insight: The transition to operations
Expert Insight: Moving from a design and construction phase to an operational one is a significant hurdle for any transnational infrastructure project. By adopting the RailNetEurope framework early, the Baltic states are signaling a commitment to standardizing their rail systems with European requirements. This preparation is essential for the eventual seamless integration of passenger, freight, and military mobility across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Version 1 of the Network Statement?
It provides a consolidated overview of technical, operational, and access conditions to help market participants plan their future use of the Rail Baltica line.
Can operators apply for capacity using this document?
No. Version 1 is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a formal basis for capacity applications.
Will there be a single document for the entire route?
No. While the Baltic section is coordinated by RB Rail AS and the national managers, a separate Network Statement for the Polish section will be published by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe.
How do you think standardized infrastructure will impact the future of regional travel in the Baltics?
