Lithuanian Minister of Transport Rokas Masiulis and the Coordinator for the North Sea–Baltic Catherine Trautmann met to discuss the prospects of “Rail Baltica” project implementation.
Trautmann provided assurances that the European Commission, considering the “Rail Baltica” as an important priority project and having assigned funds for its implementation, is interested in the successful implementation of the whole project, as well as in its continuation after 2020.
“The “Rail Baltica” is a project of special state importance in Lithuania and will be definitely continued. We exert efforts to launch freight transport by already constructed section of the “Rail Baltica” from the Lithuanian–Polish border to Kaunas in the nearest future, without waiting for the implementation of the whole project. After extending the European gauge railway line up to the intermodal terminal in Palemonas, we expect it to be used for freight transportation as early as in 2019–2020”, said Minister of Transport.
According to the Minister, the earlier the possibility to use the “Rail Baltica” for freight transport is ensured, the sooner the economic viability of the project will be noticeable.
In Lithuania, the European gauge railway line interconnecting the state border with Poland and Kaunas is already constructed and it was approved the special plan for the railway line from Kaunas to the state border with Latvia. Lithuania has submitted applications to the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and secured the investments of approximately EUR 340 million for the “Rail Baltica” project until 2021. The Minister also noted the necessity to secure funding for the part of the “Rail Baltica” project – European track gauge connection between Kaunas and Vilnius.
For the implementation of the whole “Rail Baltica” project, the EU funds investments will be needed also during the financial period of 2021–2027, favourable decision of the EU institutions on this matter is important.
Share on:
