Warsaw-Helsinki rail axis 'rail baltica'

'Rail Baltica' axis Warsaw'Kaunas'Riga'Tallinn'Helsinki Upgrading and renewing the north'south rail network in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland ), including making the Baltic States systems (broad gauge) more interoperable with the Polish and German networks built to the European standard gauge. This will help make rail a sustainable alternative to road transport for passengers and freight in the region. A feasibility study was launched by the Commission on behalf of the countries concerned (Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland) at the end of 2005. This study analyses the traffic demand, technical solutions and possible alignments for new lines. Further estimates of traffic loads and, more specifically, of the potential shift from road to rail still need to be confirmed by more detailed analysis. Implementing the project will, moreover, depend on the closest possible coordination between the three Baltic countries and with Poland, particularly relating to the border crossings. The European Commission has designated Pavel Telicka as European coordinator for this priority axis, which should be finalised by 2018.

European Commission | September 1, 2006

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