30.09.2025
Local rail traffic on the Rail Baltica railway is anticipated by local governments, communities and developers alike, as the railway attracts people and businesses close to it and also brings jobs and entertainment from further afield closer to people living in rural areas. Construction of the railway facilities at local stops is about to begin as part of the main line, but the procurement of the supporting infrastructure will be completed next year and construction will begin the year after that.
In addition to the two international terminals in Ülemiste and Pärnu, 12 more regional train stops of local importance are planned for the Estonian part of Rail Baltica. The South Pärnumaa county plan adopted this year locked in the two southernmost of them – Urissaare and Surju. Detailed plans have already been established for eight of the remaining ten, and the planning process is underway for two more Harjumaa stops. Public display and discussions are planned for Assaku soon, while the best access road solution is still being sought for Luige.
Construction of buildings, roads and parking lots will begin the year after next.
Most of the land needed for the infrastructure of local stops has been purchased for the state together with the land needed for the railway, but the acquisition of some land plots is still underway. The construction of railway facilities, especially platforms, is about to begin in many parts of Harju and Rapla counties in parallel with the construction of the main line. The construction procurement for the service infrastructure will probably be organized in the autumn of next year, with a view to concluding the contract in early 2027 and also to the design and construction in the same year.
The local stop infrastructure is planned to be built in stages, but it will not be cut at the expense of safety or access - the planned access roads, crossings and tunnels must allow for safe movement so that no one can accidentally end up on the railway, and of course, it must be possible to board the train with a stroller, bicycle or wheelchair.
The article was first published on September 30, 2025 as a content marketing story in Õhtuleht.
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