At a recent Fintraffic seminar, Marko Kivila, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of RB Rail AS, set out how Rail Baltica will transform connections between the Nordic countries, the Baltics, and wider Europe. His presentation, “Rail Baltica brings the European rail network closer – what are the benefits for Finland?” underscored both the scale and the strategic importance of the project.
Rail Baltica is one of Europe’s top five priority transport infrastructure investments and a flagship element of the EU’s TEN-T network. It rests on four pillars: creating a seamless connection to Europe, delivering tangible economic benefits, ensuring military mobility, and fulfilling strategic obligations within the European transport system.
Construction of the main line is already advancing across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. By 2025, nearly half of the railway will be construction-ready, and by 2030 the first operational corridor will link the three Baltic states with Poland. This connection will integrate the region into two major European corridors – the North Sea–Baltic and the Baltic Sea–Black Sea–Aegean Sea – and establish a direct, interoperable rail link to Central Europe. For Finland, this provides an enhanced gateway to the continent via the Baltic states and ferry connections, strengthening its position as a northern hub in European logistics.
An important part of the project is freight. Dedicated freight terminals at Muuga, Salaspils, Kaunas, and Marijampolė are being developed not only for commercial use but also to serve NATO’s requirements for rapid deployment of heavy equipment and supplies.
Independent assessments forecast that Rail Baltica will generate up to €45 billion in direct and indirect benefits. These will come from faster passenger travel – reducing journey times by up to 50% – from improved freight efficiency, from environmental gains, and from stronger supply chain integration across the region. The project is expected to contribute to GDP growth of 0.5–0.7% annually in the Baltic states, while also creating lasting opportunities for businesses in Finland and beyond.
Finnish companies already play a significant role in the delivery of Rail Baltica. GRK Suomi is part of major construction contracts on the Ülemiste–Pärnu and Tootsi–Pärnu sections, as well as works at Ülemiste Terminal. YIT has delivered key infrastructure such as the Saustinõmme Viaduct. Sweco contributes design and engineering expertise, ensuring the railway meets the highest international standards. These partnerships highlight how Finland’s engineering and construction know-how is embedded in the project and underline the mutual benefits of Nordic–Baltic cooperation.