15.09.2025
Today, September 15, the ceremonial signing of the contract for the design and construction of the Rail Baltica electrification subsystem took place in Vilnius. The event brought together the management teams of the organizations responsible for the implementation of Rail Baltica, representatives of the ministries of the three Baltic states, industrial partners and the joint venture created by the Spanish companies Cobra and Elecnor “COBELEC Rail Baltica".
The contract, worth EUR 1,77 billion (excluding VAT), was awarded to COBELEC Rail Baltica, a consortium formed by Spanish companies. Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios SA ja Elecnor Servicios y Proyectos SAU This includes the construction of the entire Rail Baltica energy subsystem (ENE). The first phase, with a budget of 949 million euros (excluding VAT), is scheduled to be completed by 2030.
Coordinator of the North Sea-Baltic Corridor of the European TEN-T Programme Catherine Trautman congratulated the project on this important milestone: “Coordination, ensured by a joint venture with national organisations, is key for such a project. Today’s signing of the electrification agreement underlines the shared commitment of all project partners to build a single and interoperable railway line across international borders. In the current geopolitical situation, strengthening the connections between the Baltic States and the rest of the European Union is more important than ever. I wish all project partners success in this ambitious joint venture!”
“Rail Baltica is not just infrastructure – it is an economic and security link with the West. This agreement is particularly important for our integration into the European railway network, enabling seamless passenger and freight transport and strengthening the resilience of the Baltic region. This is our strategic path to the future,” said the Acting Minister of Transport and Communications of Lithuania Eugenijus Sabutis.
Estonian Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis stressed that this is a decisive moment for Rail Baltica: “We have signed one of the world's largest railway electrification agreements, which will enable a direct connection to the European rail network by 2030. Electrification will make Rail Baltica a truly functional and sustainable transport solution. Today's agreement confirms that the Baltic States can jointly implement such large-scale and complex projects - thanks to the cooperation of ministries, national implementing bodies and RB Rail.”
“Electrification is not just about providing the energy needed to operate trains – it also means enabling sustainable mobility, ensuring interoperability with the European network and securing the long-term energy efficiency of the entire region. At the same time, it is a very complex contract. In order to take all the necessary steps and keep the schedule in line with the overall development of Rail Baltica, electrification works will be implemented in parallel with wider project activities,” emphasized the CEO and Chairman of the Board of RB Rail AS Marko Kivila the strategic importance of the project.
“This contract marks a historic milestone in Baltic cooperation and supports our transition to a more sustainable transport solution – one that reduces long-term operating costs and contributes to climate change mitigation. Elecnor Servicios y Proyectos SAU is currently electrifying the Vilnius-Klaipėda railway section, so the contractor is already well-versed in the works in Lithuania. This gives us confidence that the process will run smoothly and efficiently,” added the CEO of LTG Group. Egidijus Lazauskas.
“The electrification of Rail Baltica is one of the most complex and important stages of the project, ensuring safe and efficient electricity supply along the entire Latvian corridor. It will bring tangible benefits to both passengers and the economy in the long term, reducing costs and emissions. Already in June this year, the government approved the conclusion of a framework agreement with the COBELEC Rail Baltica consortium. This decision laid the foundation for today's international agreement, which strengthens Latvia's role in the overall implementation of the project, with the first stage being implemented with the allocated CEF funding,” said Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas, a member of the board of directors Janis Naglis.
"Rail Baltica starts from kilometer zero in Tallinn and Muuga. Thanks to electrification, this starting point in Estonia will not remain just a symbolic landmark, but will become a real gateway connecting the Baltic region with the European economy," noted the Chairman of the Board of Rail Baltic Estonia Anvar Salomets.
Rail Baltica will electrify 870 km of railway and 2403 km of tracks across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, making it the largest railway electrification project in Europe and one of the largest in the world. It will also be the first to use static frequency converter (SFC) technology on a large scale, with a 2×25 kV system at 50 Hz, fed by ten traction substations. This approach ensures long-term reliability, efficiency and a strong reduction in environmental impact.
“The electrification contract is a major step forward for Rail Baltica. By choosing a single contractor for both design and construction, we ensure efficiency, consistency and cost control. This approach allows us to reduce life cycle costs, improve energy efficiency and provide clear environmental benefits,” said RB Rail AS Senior Contract Manager and Chairman of the Procurement Committee Time Benfelde.
Representatives of “COBELEC Rail Baltica” confirmed the consortium’s commitment: “This contract marks an important milestone in the development of Rail Baltica and we are proud to lead Europe’s largest railway electrification project. Cobra and Elecnor have proven their ability to provide tailored and high-quality solutions. Based on our joint experience, we have a strong background in implementing complex projects to the highest standards. We are committed to supporting Rail Baltica’s strategic role in strengthening regional connectivity and EU integration.”
The award of the contract followed a tender process launched in May 2022. Four international consortia applied, three of which were shortlisted in 2023. The joint venture created by Cobra and Elecnor was ultimately selected due to its strong technical solution, cost-effectiveness and sustainability indicators. This symbolic moment followed the electronic signature on 31 July 2025, marking the official launch of Europe's largest railway electrification project.
Rail Baltica progress today
Rail Baltica has entered the full-scale construction phase in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, with mainline works, international stations, bridges and crossings progressing rapidly.
Over 100 km of railway infrastructure construction is underway in Estonia, including a flagship project Ülemiste terminal.
In Latvia, the focus is primarily on the southern part of the line, where major construction work is underway near Iecava, complemented by progress on the 230 km framework agreement and significant developments at the Riga Central Hub and airport terminals.
In Lithuania, construction is progressing on the Kaunas–Panevėžys section, where 77 km of embankments and civil engineering works are currently underway. By the end of 2025, work is expected to cover 114 km, including track laying and the construction of a new bridge over the Neris River, which will be the longest in the country.
By the end of this year, 43% of the Rail Baltica main line will be ready for construction, marking a decisive leap towards Europe's most ambitious cross-border railway project.
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