Rail Baltica is a railway infrastructure megaproject that spans across several countries. The depth of skills and expertise required to successfully execute a greenfield project of this caliber is extensive and would not be possible without our diverse team of professionals.
Welcome back to our series, “Rail Baltica: The People Behind the Vision,” where we introduce you to the members of the Rail Baltica global project team. These individuals are the driving force advancing the Rail Baltica project with their professionalism, dedication, and passion for this project.
Rait Leppik, Lead Geodesy Coordinator, RB Rail AS
Driven by curiosity, professionalism, and a passion for precision, Rait Leppik brings deep international geodesy experience to the Rail Baltica project. Since joining RB Rail AS in 2022, he has taken on increasingly complex responsibilities, helping ensure that the railway is accurately fitted to the real terrain as it crosses multiple countries. For Rait, Rail Baltica is a place of meaningful professional development where continuous learning is part of everyday work. Inspired by top experts and motivated by the pursuit of excellence, he encourages others to stay adaptable, embrace challenges, and keep improving, because when the work is done well, you can truly see it, hear it, and feel it when the train passes by.
When did you join the Rail Baltica project and what inspired you to become a part of the team?
I joined the Rail Baltica project in 2022. Naturally, the scale of the project, its international nature, and the opportunity to do professionally challenging work close to home were key motivators.
How would you explain to a 5-year-old or a slightly older newcomer in the railway industry what you do in Rail Baltica?
The importance of geodesy in infrastructure projects is often difficult to grasp – even for experienced engineers from other fields. But simply put, geodesy is the science that studies the shape of the Earth and determines its dimensions within an agreed coordinate system. In the Rail Baltica project, geodesists are responsible for fitting the railway – designed on a flat surface – onto the real terrain, which stretches approximately 870 km across three Baltic countries and connects to Poland.
What does your job involve?
My work involves solving and coordinating geodetic issues along the entire railway corridor. This includes establishing a framework for how geodetic work is carried out in the project, ensuring compliance with requirements, and guiding contractors when necessary. Additionally, RB Rail AS leads the implementation of a unified coordinate and height system and the creation of a primary geodetic network across the three Baltic states.
How has your role evolved since you first joined the Rail Baltica project, and what have you learned along the way?
My role has certainly evolved in terms of responsibility. In large projects, it is common for individuals to be entrusted with increasingly complex and critical tasks the longer they are involved. Working in Rail Baltica is a continuous learning experience, with new information emerging daily. I also have the privilege of working alongside top professionals in my field, which allows me to constantly improve and ensures that no two days are alike.
What does the Rail Baltica project mean to you?
Above all, it represents a place for professional self-realization and the opportunity to contribute to something I can look back on with pride and satisfaction.
What do you believe is the most challenging aspect of this mega project?
From a general perspective, cross-border communication and the shortage of experts in the local market are major challenges. Project financing is also a significant factor.
What specific contribution or skill do you believe you bring to the Rail Baltica project team that sets you apart from others?
I bring extensive and international experience from various geodesy-related projects – such as infrastructure, tunnels, railways, highways, and nuclear power plants. I have worked in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Germany, and China. I believe this diverse background is what led me to this project.
What hobbies, interests, talents do you have?
Health and fitness are important to me. I actively participate in public sports events like running and mountain biking. I have played table tennis for many years, and recently my heart belongs to badminton. A part of my life is also dedicated to my miniature schnauzer, Amanda.
What is it about the rail industry that you love?
What fascinates me most is that the final results of the work are clearly visible. If the railway is built precisely and according to the correct parameters, you can see it, hear it, and feel it when riding the train.
In your career, what is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Definitely working as a geodesy consultant in China during the construction of the Taishan nuclear reactors.
Who inspired you during your career and why?
I am inspired by top professionals in the field. I have always tried to learn from more experienced colleagues, and they have generously shared their knowledge. I am also inspired by my own achievements, which motivate me to do even better next time.
In your opinion what is the recipe for success, for team, career or otherwise?
Simple – learning and adaptability. No one is born a specialist; it is something you become through purposeful action and continuous learning.