Rail Baltica Estonia has signed two major construction contracts covering the entire Estonian section of its high-speed rail passenger mainline — the largest infrastructure investment in the country’s history.
The contracts were awarded to two international consortia, formalising the delivery of key mainline sections and bringing the project closer to the planned launch of services between Tallinn and Warsaw by 2030. The agreements also mark a new phase in project implementation, with large-scale construction to follow.
“These contracts mark a new stage in the implementation of Rail Baltica — not just the beginning of a phase, but a turning point for the entire construction effort,” said Anvar Salomets, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board at Rail Baltic Estonia. “The vision on paper is now becoming a continuous construction line.”
Kuldar Leis, Estonia’s Minister of Infrastructure, added: “Rail Baltica is not just a railway — it’s a strategic investment in Estonia’s economic and security future, strengthening our connection with Europe. The strong interest from experienced global contractors confirms the project’s significance.”
Two international alliances selected
The contracts have been awarded to the following consortia:
- Section 1 (Ülemiste–Pärnu + Tootsi–Pärnu): GRK Eesti AS, GRK Suomi Oy, AS Merko Ehitus Eesti, NGE CONTRACTING, Sweco Finland Oy, Sweco Sverige AB, and TSO SAS. Estimated value: EUR 394 million.
- Section 2 (Pärnu–Ikla): Bouygues Travaux Publics, Budimex S.A., INGEROP Conseil et Ingenierie (ICI), KMG Infra OÜ, and WSP Finland Oy. Estimated value: EUR 332 million.
With options for procuring strategic materials including rails, sleepers, switches and ballast, the overall contract value could rise to EUR 932 million.
Tiit Roben, CEO of GRK Eesti, stated: “We are honoured to be selected for this project — the most significant in Estonia’s construction history. Our international team brings robust design and construction expertise to meet both technical and environmental challenges.”
Bertrand Burtschell, CEO of Bouygues Travaux Publics, said: “This is a landmark project for today’s and tomorrow’s Europe. We are proud to support greater connectivity and sustainable mobility across the region.”
Next steps and funding for Rail Baltica Estonia
A development phase of approximately one year will now begin, during which the selected alliances will prepare detailed work plans, finalise technical designs, and coordinate resources and construction schedules. Major construction works are expected to start thereafter.
The Estonian state will fund the contracts, with partial financing through the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions allowance trading scheme.
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