Riga embraces Rail Baltica

Riga is taking on the ambitious infrastructure project Rail Baltica. The high-speed rail project is set to revolutionise transportation in the Baltic states.  

Spearheading this effort since 2020 is Inese Andersone, Chairwoman of the Riga City Development Committee. She is working to ensure that Rail Baltica enhances connectivity, supports economic growth and aligns with local sustainability goals, all while seamlessly integrating into the existing mobility system and urban development plans in the Latvian Capital.

Strengthening ties between the Baltic states and central Europe 

Rail Baltica is a transnational railway infrastructure project designed to integrate Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania into the broader European rail network.

As part of the EU’s Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), the project is co-funded by the EU through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). Running from Tallinn, Estonia to Warsaw, Poland, the electrified railway will connect in Riga.  

“Rail Baltica is a transformative project that will redefine how people move within and beyond Riga,” says Andersone.  

Linking the Baltic states with the rest of the EU, the network aims to foster closer regional integration, reduce dependence on road and air transport, and support trade between the Baltic states and the rest of the EU.

Integrating Rail Baltica into Riga’s mobility ecosystem 

Although Rail Baltica is not expected to be completed until 2030, it is already having an impact on the local mobility ecosystem. One of the city’s top priorities is to make certain Rail Baltica complements its vision of a liveable, pedestrian-friendly city.

“The goal is to integrate Rail Baltica in a way that enhances, rather than disrupts, urban life. This involves prioritising pedestrian access, green spaces and multimodal transport hubs,” according to Andersone.  

Alongside the benefits the railway promises, integrating the rail system into the current mobility system also presents challenges. The railway must seamlessly connect with the existing transportation networks, such as local bus, tram and cycling infrastructure.

However, the city does not stop at guaranteeing proper integration, they are using the project as an opportunity to improve its public spaces, transport hubs and multimodal connections. 

“The integration of Rail Baltica into Riga’s infrastructure includes developing new pedestrian-friendly areas, enhancing public transit connectivity, expanding biking routes and modernising urban spaces,” explains Andersone. 

Insights for large-scale transportation projects  

Riga’s experience with Rail Baltica offers valuable insights for other cities seeking to integrate large-scale transport projects into urban planning. 

“One of the key lessons is the importance of early-stage urban integration planning,” Andersone notes. “Large infrastructure projects must be considered in the broader context of city development, rather than as standalone projects.”

To bring its plans to fruition, coordinating with multiple stakeholders to secure necessary funding and aligning national and European regulations has been essential. The city has developed a strategic investment plan that includes municipal, national, and EU funding sources.  

“Riga is actively participating in EU-funded projects and collaborating with national institutions to ensure Rail Baltica’s successful implementation,” says Andersone. “We maintain regular dialogue with Rail Baltica developers, the Latvian Ministry of Transport and EU bodies to address any challenges proactively and plan our projects with future needs in mind.” 

Riga’s experience also serves as a model for other cities striving to balance large-scale infrastructure with environmental sustainability. As a member of the EU mission: 100 Climate Neutral cities by 2030, environmental factors are also a primary concern.

Sustainable mobility strategies are embedded throughout Rail Baltica’s integration. The city is implementing a low-emission zone to promote sustainable mobility solutions in the areas surrounding the Rail Baltica corridor. 

“Other cities can learn from our actions to balance modern infrastructure with historical preservation and environmental sustainability,” adds Andersone.  

Already a game-changer  

Riga has already made significant progress in mobility innovation, from launching new cycling projects to implementing sustainable transport policies to constructing entirely new infrastructure projects.  

A major component of Rail Baltica is the construction of a dedicated station at Riga International Airport, the first of its kind in the Baltics. As a result, Riga is already seeing an increase in passenger traffic at the airport, and this new railway station is expected to boost tourism, attract investors and enhance its role as a regional transportation hub. 

“This direct rail link will improve accessibility for international visitors, strengthen our tourism sector, and attract more business opportunities,” Andersone states.  

Riga hosts Eurocities Mobility Forum 2025 

Riga will host the Eurocities Mobility Forum 2025 from 19–21 March under the theme ‘Collaborating Beyond Boundaries: Sustainable Mobility for All’. 

This forum will bring together urban mobility leaders from across Europe to exchange best practices in green mobility, smart transport solutions, and urban development. Participants will have the chance to experience Riga’s evolving transport landscape firsthand with immersive site visits showcasing Riga’s transformative projects. 

Find more information about the upcoming Eurocities Mobility Forum here.  

Photo credit: Rail Baltica