The construction of Rail Baltica Central Hub in Riga, Latvia\u2019s capital city, has started as planned.<\/p>\n
The construction site, which is placed between the Ministry of Transport building and the Riga Central Railway Station, was officially opened by representatives from Egis-Deutche Bahn, European Railway Lines and RB Rail (the project\u2019s coordinator).<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the beginning of works in R\u012bga Central Railway Station, we mark the beginning of construction works of Rail Baltica in Latvia. As of today, Rail Baltica construction works are taking place in all three Baltic States. As a result of the reconstruction of Riga Central Station and surrounding infrastructure, Latvia will gain new high-speed, environmentally friendly international and local railway services. Furthermore, the travel time between the capitals of the Baltic states will be reduced by half,\u201d stated Agnes Driksna, Chairman of the Management Board of RB Rail while speaking to the project\u2019s local residents and workers at the commencement ceremony.<\/p>\n
Bererix \u2013 a JV between Sia Rere B\u016bve and Besix\u2013 which won the \u20ac430 million contract in 2019, is going to build the Central Hub. Works will comprise the construction of a major railway bridge on the Daugava River, a new central station building, and building of the European standard gauge tracks and various rail infrastructures.<\/p>\n
Nearly 85% of the cost is being provided by the European Union\u2019s Connecting Europe Facility, with the rest of the funds being covered by Latvia\u2019s government.<\/p>\n
Adina Ioana V\u0103lean, EU Commissioner, stated: \u201cThis day is a milestone in European integration history. A modern state-of-the-art railway that will bring us closer together. Rail Baltica has always been a priority for the European Commission \u2013 it is one of our critical infrastructure projects, completing our core transport network along the Ten-T.\u201d<\/p>\n
She also added: \u201cThis massive project will bring in new businesses, attract start-ups, create new jobs and new opportunities, and improve citizens\u2019 living standards. I congratulate you that despite global pandemic you found a way not to hold back on this project\u2019s constructional phase in a safe and secure manner.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kri\u0161j\u0101nis Kari\u0146\u0161, the Latvian Prime Minister, in congratulatory remote address to the project\u2019s implementers pointed: \u201cThis project is of strategic and geopolitical importance: it will connect our economy to the European Union\u2019s single market, increase our international competitiveness and also the security of the region. It should be acknowledged that the Rail Baltica project is also one of the most complex in terms of its scale and technical solutions Latvia has been involved in after the regaining of its national independence.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also asserted that: \u201cI would like to commend the ability of all the parties involved to come to an agreement in the name of a larger target, so that all would benefit from the opportunities provided by Rail Baltica, both for our economy and for the population.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Central Hub is a part of the \u20ac5 billion Rail Baltica project. As to be completed by 2026, it will link the Baltic cities of Tallinn, Helsinki, Vilnius, Warsaw and Riga, and unite them into the European rail network.<\/p>\n