In the wake of the Russian war in Ukraine, the Rail Baltica high speed connection must remain on track as a vital military strategic lifeline, which will enhance NATO’s military mobility across Europe, the BBC reports.
Rail Baltica, which, the BBC reported, was originally a “grand project” with a civilian transport focus, had become a strategic necessity to enhance military mobility, which, according to one senior NATO officer, would connect Tallinn to allied nations as far afield as the Netherlands.
Rail Baltica’s focus has largely been on civilian transport, the shifting security landscape underscores its military importance for moving heavy equipment, including main battle tanks.
Anvar Salomets, CEO of Rail Baltica Estonia, noted the under-construction northern terminus in the Ulemiste district of Tallinn would proceed south to a total of 870 kilometers network across the Baltic States, significantly reducing travel time from Tallinn to Vilnius to under four hours and promising substantial economic and environmental benefits.
The project has however been dogged by delays and problems; Estonia and Latvia have faced criticism for prioritizing rail terminals over the rail line itself, the BBC reports.
The Covid pandemic, soaring inflation, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are being joined by regulatory differences between the three Baltic States as factors, which have slowed up the project, 85% subsidized by the EU (to a total of over EUR 15 billion), with another EUR 1.1 billion just announced.
The Rail Baltica network once finished is set to replace the Baltics’ Soviet-era Russian track gauge with the standard European width, creating a seamless rail link across the Baltic States to Poland and the rest of the EU, proponents say.
During the pandemic, French forces being deployed to Estonia brought equipment by rail, but had to switch around rolling stock due to the gauge differences.
Originally slated for completion until 2026, the latest estimate for Rail Baltica to be fully functional is 2030-2031. (ERR)