Despite the ongoing pandemic, Tõnis Tamme, Member of the Management Board of Rail Baltica Business Network Estonia and partner at the TRINITI law firm, is pleased that the network had a chance to meet online before the difficult year came to an end. “The event with more than 45 participants showed that the interest of entrepreneurs in Rail Baltica continues to be high, and this interest is growing because the construction activities that have started will continue in an even higher volume next year,” said Tamme.
Developments of the RB project and the next milestones
Tõnu Grünberg, Chairman of the Management Board of Rail Baltic Estonia OÜ, presented an overview of the progress of the project in Estonia. Pursuant to relevant plan, more extensive construction work will commence in 2021, and the expected completion date of the railway is in 2026.
“With regard to specific stations, the Muuga port area railway junction is currently being designed which will also continue next year. Stage I procurement for works is also being prepared. In addition, Pärnu freight station is also being designed, and the survey and detailed planning stage is currently underway. In addition to the freight station, the master design of Pärnu passenger terminal is also being prepared, and the process of obtaining building permits and acquiring land is in progress,” said Grünberg.
According to Grünberg, the design area is being expanded in Ülemiste rolling stock depot. The design of the rolling stock depot and the Ülemiste joint terminal is also underway and will continue in 2021.
“With regard to local stops, we are in the process of entering into cooperation agreements with local authorities, initiating detailed plans, and preparing procurements for design work,” Grünberg added about the total of twelve railway stops planned for local passenger traffic on the Rail Baltica route.
The RB construction concept
Anvar Salomets, Technical Manager of Rail Baltic Estonia OÜ, provided an overview of the RB building concept in Estonia. Participants asked clarifications on suitable sections and divisions and the main scenario for the construction process of RB in Estonia.
According to Salomets, a horizontal division of railway construction is planned in technically and geographically suitable locations. “Technology related to traffic management and contact networks is separate from the substructure and superstructure. Materials for the superstructure are obtained centrally by the contracting authority,” Salomets commented on the conclusions drawn.
“As the completion of the construction is set for 2026, the main scenario is very fast-paced,” the Technical Manager added.
Rail Baltica Business Network Estonia (www.rbbn.ee) was founded in 2015 with the aim of bringing together Estonian companies interested in business opportunities related to Rail Baltica. Today, the Business Network comprises of 27 members.
