There is a shortage of money for Rail Baltica. However, excluding Riga from it would mean giving money to Estonia, said Mayor of Riga Vilnis Kirsis in an interview to Latvijas Radio.
During this interview, he agreed the municipality was concerned that if no money were found, Riga might end up with numerous unfinished construction projects in the city centre. The mayor said he hoped the government would find a way to avoid this.
“I understand there is money for the main railway line, but there is no money for the branch in Riga’s direction. But without Riga, it would be like giving money to Estonia, because it will basically connect Tallinn with Berlin. In the best case scenario it will help connect Salaspils or Vangazi with Berlin,” the Mayor of Riga told the programme.
Kirsis added: “No one mentions how Riga municipality will need to provide several hundred million euros. Currently this is about only two main railway lines, but the city will need to invest money to ensure the territory around stations and crossings is cleaned up.” (BNN)