Rail Baltica Ulemiste Terminal: €85M Linda Project

News about the Rail Baltica Ulemiste Terminal Construction

Introduction
The Rail Baltica project, a monumental undertaking to connect the Baltic states with a high-speed railway line, is steadily progressing. This article delves into the recent construction agreement signed for the Ulemiste passenger terminal in Tallinn, Estonia. The contract, valued at €85 million, marks a significant step forward in the project and highlights Estonia’s commitment to modernizing its railway infrastructure. The terminal, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and named “Linda,” promises to be a unique gateway, integrating seamlessly with the existing infrastructure while adhering to the highest standards of European railway regulations. The project benefits from substantial funding from the European Union, showcasing the collaborative spirit driving this pan-European initiative. We will examine the key aspects of the contract, the innovative design, the strategic location, and the broader implications for Estonia’s transportation landscape. Furthermore, we will touch upon the incorporation of modern technologies like cloud-based centralized train control systems and sustainable practices such as the use of electric locomotives, all of which are integral to the future of railway systems.

The Construction Contract and Project Scope

On May 23, 2025, Merko Ehitus Eesti, a subsidiary of the Merko Ehitus group, secured a construction agreement with OU Rail Baltic Estonia for the Ulemiste international passenger terminal in Tallinn. The agreement, valued at approximately €85 million, covers both the design and construction phases of the terminal. Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2025, with an estimated completion date of October 2028. The funding for this project is primarily sourced from the European Union Cohesion Fund (CF) and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The Ulemiste terminal, christened “Linda,” is set to become a pivotal hub within the Rail Baltica network, acting as a vital link between Estonia and the broader European railway system. The project’s scope includes the construction of the terminal building itself, which will span approximately 180 meters over the railway tracks, and feature three platforms, totaling around 1,250 meters in length. A significant portion of these platforms will be sheltered by a canopy, and the terminal will integrate with the existing Estonian Railways infrastructure.

Architectural Design and Strategic Location

The “Linda” terminal’s design, conceptualized by Zaha Hadid Architects, is intended to be a landmark, showcasing innovative architectural design. The building will feature a distinctive facade and roof, reflecting contemporary design principles while maintaining adherence to European railway traffic regulations. Its strategic location is equally important, situated across Suur-Sojamae street, adjacent to both the planned Rail Baltica railway and the current Estonian Railways infrastructure. This positioning will facilitate seamless transfers between different modes of transportation and connect the terminal with the broader Estonian railway network. The terminal is designed to be an integrated transportation hub, promoting intermodality and enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers. The design of the terminal reflects a forward-thinking approach to passenger flow, ensuring an efficient and user-friendly environment, further emphasizing Estonia’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and promoting sustainable transportation.

Technological and Environmental Considerations

The Rail Baltica project, and the Ulemiste terminal specifically, incorporates cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Centralized train control systems, potentially utilizing cloud-based solutions, will optimize train movements, improve safety, and increase network capacity. The adoption of electric locomotives, integral to the Rail Baltica project, is a significant step towards reducing the environmental footprint of railway operations. This commitment to sustainability extends to the terminal’s design and construction, aiming to minimize environmental impacts throughout the project lifecycle. This includes efficient energy consumption, waste reduction, and sustainable material usage. Rail Baltica aligns with the European Union’s environmental objectives and contributes to the shift towards cleaner transportation options. The integration of these technologies and practices positions Rail Baltica as a pioneer in railway modernization and sets a benchmark for future infrastructure projects.

Conclusion

The construction agreement for the Rail Baltica Ulemiste terminal represents a pivotal moment in Estonia’s railway modernization efforts and signifies the advancement of the Rail Baltica project as a whole. The “Linda” terminal, with its striking design and strategic location, will serve as a new gateway for Estonia, connecting it more closely with Europe and offering a high-quality travel experience. The project’s success is underpinned by significant EU funding, reflecting the collaborative commitment to improving European transportation networks. The incorporation of advanced technologies like cloud-based train control systems and the commitment to electric locomotives underscores a vision for a sustainable and efficient future. The terminal will have three platforms, totaling about 1,250 meters in length, with approximately half of this area covered by a canopy. This project is a significant step for Estonia to modernize the transport infrastructure. This endeavor will increase connectivity and improve both the passenger travel experience and trade opportunities. The successful completion of the Ulemiste terminal is expected to generate a positive impact on the economy and provide new opportunities. This project represents a significant leap towards a more interconnected and sustainable future for Estonia and the Baltic region.

—
Short summary about companies involved:

Merko Ehitus Eesti: A subsidiary of the Merko Ehitus group, responsible for the construction of the Ulemiste terminal.

OU Rail Baltic Estonia: The company that awarded the construction contract and is overseeing the Rail Baltica project in Estonia.

Zaha Hadid Architects: The architectural firm responsible for the design of the “Linda” terminal.

Estonian Railways: The existing railway infrastructure that will be integrated with the new terminal.