Latvian officials say Rail Baltica unlikely to meet 2030 deadline

Latvia’s economy minister Viktor Valainis told a TV interview that completing the Rail Baltica line to Estonia by 2030 is “highly unlikely”. He urged a functional solution to start train operations quickly and demanded clearer, faster answers on cost reductions. Former prime minister Andris Krištopans and finance minister Māris Kučinskis echoed the view, saying the 2030 target can be forgotten and 2035 is the earliest realistic date for the Latvian section. The latest cost assessment puts first‑order expenses for the Baltic segment at €14.3 billion – €5.5 billion for Latvia – with the total project potentially costing up to €23.8 billion, far above the 2017 estimate of €5.8 billion.

Political scientist Filips Rajevskis warned that large infrastructure projects fail when led by people lacking sector expertise. Citing the South Bridge project, he highlighted the importance of experienced engineers and sound financing, noting that inadequate professional knowledge and reluctance to take responsibility have hindered Rail Baltica’s progress.