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.
Mihai Amariei, Railway Track Expert, RB Rail AS
Mihai Amariei works as a Railway Track Expert at RB Rail AS, contributing to the design and development of the Rail Baltica railway infrastructure, with a focus on efficient and reliable technical solutions.
His work focuses on the design stage, where careful planning and attention to detail help ensure smooth and cost-effective railway operations in the long term. For Mihai, strong teamwork is built on trust, respect, and open communication, supported by clear processes and a shared sense of responsibility.
Looking back, what made joining Rail Baltica the right step in your career at that time?
I can say with certainty that this was, and still is, the right place and the right time to be part of this project. Everything aligned, and I entered a role where I could use my knowledge and continue growing as a railway engineer.
What part of your work is most critical, but often unseen?
Many of the small improvements we make now in the design stage go unnoticed, but they can save a lot of time and costs once the railway is in operation. These details may seem minor, but they make a big difference later.
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?
When the workload gets heavy, I tackle tasks one by one, always starting with the most demanding. Minimizing distractions helps, and so does the dedication I see in the people around me. But what truly keeps me going is knowing that my input is valued and that my colleagues trust my skills. That trust is a real motivator — when I do my job well, the whole team feels more confident and supported, and that sense of shared responsibility is something I take seriously.
What have you learned here that you’ll carry with you throughout your career?
Being involved in so many different parts of the project has given me a clear view of how everything connects. Watching management, technical teams, and stakeholders work together taught me how important communication and clear procedures are. Without them, a project of this size simply cannot move forward.
What does good teamwork mean to you in your daily work, and how do you contribute to a positive team culture?
Working with colleagues from all over Europe teaches you a lot about mentality and cultural differences. It helps you understand when to push forward and when to slow down. I appreciate how open everyone is in sharing their skills, and I try to do the same. For me, teamwork is about respect, patience, and being willing to learn from each other.
How do you usually recharge outside of work?
Outside of work, family comes first – spending quality time with my wife and loved ones is what truly recharges me. When the weather is on our side, we love being outdoors, whether that’s hiking, exploring new places, or simply enjoying nature together. Traveling is something we genuinely enjoy as well – discovering different cultures and destinations is a great way to reset and gain a fresh perspective. On quieter days indoors, I like to unwind with a good classic movie and let my mind fully disconnect.
Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger professional self?
I would tell my younger self that plans don’t always work out as expected, and that’s okay. Focus on the present, because the past is gone and the future can’t be fully predicted. Be grateful, stay positive, and appreciate everything you have and everything you receive along the way.