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.
Anda Grantiņa, Eligibility Controller, RB Rail AS
Anda Grantiņa works as an Eligibility Controller at RB Rail AS, where precision and attention to detail are an essential part of her daily work. Motivated by the opportunity to contribute to a once-in-a-lifetime project, she values teamwork, continuous learning, and maintaining a solution-oriented mindset, even during demanding periods.
When did you join Rail Baltica, and what motivated you to become part of the project?
I joined the Eligibility team at the end of January 2025. What motivated me most was the opportunity to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime project that will have a lasting impact on our lives and on future generations for decades to come. I was also driven by a desire to take on new responsibilities and challenge myself by stepping into a new field, allowing me to grow both professionally and personally.
What part of your work is most critical, but often unseen?
A large part of our work is critical but often goes unnoticed because it happens behind the scenes. As the saying goes, “the devil is in the details” and that is especially true for us. We need to dive deeply into every task, from reviewing business travel requests to carefully assessing detailed cost reports and providing thorough comments. Our team ensures that all costs allocated to CEF funding are fully compliant and eligible, so even the smallest detail matters. This level of precision may not always be visible, but it is essential to the success and integrity of the project.
How do you stay focused and motivated during complex or high-pressure periods, and what is a challenge you have faced on the project that you successfully overcame?
I stay focused and motivated by maintaining discipline and regularly engaging in physical exercise, which helps me clear my mind and stay energised during demanding periods.
One of the biggest challenges in my role is constantly switching between different tasks and topics while setting clear priorities. Audits are particularly challenging, as you can never fully predict the auditors’ questions. One challenge I faced in 2025 was working on the KPMG audit for the closure of CEF1–CEF7, where detailed issues remained even after the main assessments had been completed. To resolve these issues and contribute to the successful completion of the audit, it was important to stay focused and collaborate closely with colleagues.
What is one important lesson this project has taught you?
One important lesson this project has taught me is that every challenge, no matter how complex, has a solution. Experience plays a key role in finding the way forward, as it helps you approach problems with confidence and perspective. Over time, I have learned to stay calm, trust the process, and focus on solutions rather than obstacles.
What do you value most in your colleagues?
What I value most in my colleagues is their willingness to help and provide support. I especially appreciate when they take the time to explain things through a practical “learning by doing” approach, which helps build understanding, confidence, and professional growth.
How do you usually recharge outside of work?
I recharge mainly through physical activities. I regularly do functional training throughout the year, as it helps me stay energised and focused. Depending on the season, I also enjoy jogging, while in winter I like skiing and skating. Staying active is essential for me to maintain both mental and physical balance.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining Rail Baltica today?
Do not be afraid to ask for the help of colleagues at times when the task on which you are working requires too much effort and time. Accordingly, working for a common goal, accomplished in a team, helps to arrive at a better result faster.