Rail Baltica has signed a EUR 38.31 million contract with DB Engineering & Consulting for design and design supervision of the 96 km section between the Lithuania–Poland border and Kaunas (Jiesia). The deal, awarded through a competitive public tender, was concluded by RB Rail AS, LTG Infra – Lithuania’s national project implementer – and DB Engineering & Consulting.
Eugenijus Sabutis, Lithuania’s Acting Minister of Transport and Communications, described the link with Poland as “our gateway to the West” and the first route expected to carry high-speed, European standard-gauge trains. “I am pleased with the project’s progress – it brings us closer not only to faster and more convenient travel, but also plays a vital role in strengthening the security and development of the entire Baltic region,” he said.
LTG Group CEO Egidijus Lazauskas said the provider’s international expertise would help ensure a smooth process. “The section connecting us with bordering Poland is a high priority. This contract already identifies priority segments to be designed first. Looking ahead, we plan to announce the construction tender in advance, securing resources to begin preparatory works as soon as possible,” he noted.
The project will deliver an electrified double-track railway from the Polish border through Marijampolė to Kaunas, with links to the existing Rail Baltica freight line. It will also include traffic control and signalling upgrades to support faster, more efficient train operations.
“Poland remains a key strategic partner in Rail Baltica,” said Marius Narmontas. “It’s the only participating country with an operational 1435 mm rail network, providing the essential link to the rest of Europe. Much of the Polish section is already upgraded, with the remainder in design, ensuring a synchronised connection on both sides of the border.”
DB Engineering & Consulting Managing Director for International Markets and Consulting, Stefan Geisperger, said the contract marks another milestone in DB’s eight-year involvement in the Rail Baltica Global Project. “We are helping develop a modern, electrified standard-gauge railway that will connect the Baltic States with Central Europe through a sustainable, high-speed network,” he said.
The new link is expected to boost passenger and freight capacity along the North Sea–Baltic corridor, offering freight operators a faster, greener alternative to road transport and supporting Europe’s decarbonisation goals. Across all three Baltic countries, construction is advancing, with 43% of the mainline expected to be construction-ready by the end of 2025.
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