The construction of Rail Baltica in Estonia has reached a significant milestone as Rail Baltic Estonia and AS Tariston signed a contract this morning for the construction of the first section of the main route in Pärnumaa, the Selja-Tootsi segment. The 15.8-kilometer stretch marks the first time that the international high-speed railway project has entered Pärnumaa, a crucial logistical hub for Estonia and the entire Baltic region.
“Rail Baltica is a strategic investment in the future of Estonia and the Baltics as a whole. It establishes an entirely new economic axis for Estonia, connecting us to Western Europe’s transport network and unlocking new opportunities for passenger travel and trade,” said Anvar Salomets, Chairman of the Management Board of Rail Baltic Estonia. “Rail Baltica will boost regional development, expand logistical capabilities, and support local businesses.”
In addition to high-speed rail infrastructure, this section of Rail Baltica will include environmental protection structures, such as the Kõnnu and Viluvere ecoducts, providing vital wildlife crossings. The project will also feature viaducts and pedestrian tunnels to ensure convenient local connections, integrating the area into a more cohesive whole. Parallel to the main railway line, construction will also begin at Kaisma station, a project set to last two years, after which the station area will be handed over to the next construction phase contractor to proceed with additional infrastructure work.
“This is an exciting and responsible project where we can apply our prior experience in Rail Baltica construction and contribute to the development of one of Estonia’s most important transport corridors. We are pleased to continue our cooperation with the client, with whom we have built a constructive and trustworthy relationship. This section is technically diverse, allowing us to fully utilize our team’s expertise,” said Argo Kotsar, Member of the Management Board of AS Tariston.
Rail Baltica’s impact extends beyond a high-speed transport connection – it is a key security project that enhances regional defense capabilities and military mobility.
“Rail Baltica, the largest infrastructure project in Estonia’s history, is now reaching Pärnumaa. In a changing security environment, we must ensure that Estonia remains well-connected to the rest of Europe. In the coming years, it is essential to invest not only in the development of 2+2 main highways but also in new railway infrastructure,” said Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet.
The contract is valued at €62.3 million, excluding VAT, with construction scheduled to continue until the end of 2028. By 2026, at least ten kilometers of the main railway embankment should be completed, with the entire section finalized by 2028.
AS Tariston
AS Tariston is one of Estonia’s leading infrastructure construction companies, specializing in roads, bridges, railway infrastructure, and year-round maintenance of national highways. Operating since 2002, Tariston is fully owned by the Nordecon AS group.
The company has extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure projects, including asphalt production and installation, land improvement, and traffic management solutions. With more than 160 skilled professionals and a modern fleet of 80 machines, Tariston efficiently and sustainably delivers even the most demanding projects.