Rail Baltica Electrification: EUR 1.7B Project in Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia

Introduction

On September 15, 2025, in Vilnius, Lithuania, the Rail Baltica electrification subsystem design and construction contract was signed. The EUR 1.77 billion contract was awarded to COBELEC Rail Baltica, a joint venture of Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios and Elecnor Servicios y Proyectos, for the full deployment of the Rail Baltica Energy subsystem across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Contract Details and Scope

The contract, valued at EUR 1.77 billion, was awarded to COBELEC Rail Baltica, a consortium of Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios and Elecnor Servicios y Proyectos. The first phase, with a budget of EUR 949 million (excluding VAT), is slated for completion by 2030.

Project Overview

Rail Baltica will electrify 870 km of railway and 2,403 km of tracks across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This initiative is set to be the largest railway electrification project in Europe and one of the largest globally.

Key Technologies and Features

The project will utilize Static Frequency Converter (SFC) technology combined with 2x25kV in a 50 Hz system, powered by ten traction substations. This approach aims to ensure long-term reliability, efficiency, and strong environmental performance.

Construction Progress and Milestones

Full-scale construction is underway across the three Baltic States. In Estonia, over 100 km of railway substructure is under construction, including the Ülemiste Terminal. Latvia is focusing on the southern section, with significant works near Iecava and developments at the Riga Central Hub and Airport terminals. In Lithuania, construction is ongoing on the Kaunas–Panevėžys section, with 77 km of embankments and engineering structures currently underway. By the end of 2025, works are expected to cover 114 km, including track-laying and a new bridge over the Neris River. By the end of 2025, 43% of the Rail Baltica mainline will be construction-ready.

Conclusion

The Rail Baltica project involves the electrification of 870 km of railway and 2,403 km of tracks across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The contract, valued at EUR 1.77 billion, was awarded to COBELEC Rail Baltica, with the first phase aiming for completion by 2030. Construction is progressing across the three Baltic States, with a target of 43% of the mainline being construction-ready by the end of 2025.

Company Summary

Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios: A Spanish company involved in the Rail Baltica project through the COBELEC Rail Baltica joint venture.

Elecnor Servicios y Proyectos: A Spanish company involved in the Rail Baltica project through the COBELEC Rail Baltica joint venture.

RB Rail: The CEO of RB Rail, Marko Kivila, commented on the project’s sustainable mobility aspects.