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.
Indrė Kuizinienė, Head of Risk Management, LTG Infra
With extensive experience advising road construction companies, both Lithuanian and international contracting, design, and land acquisition firms, as well as contributing to the modernization of an EU-supported educational establishment, Indrė has been involved in numerous technical and work projects, assessing the risks of high-value contracts.
A lawyer, runner, and cycling enthusiast, she likens large-scale projects to marathons, emphasizing that success is achieved not by sprinting but by wisely allocating resources.
Indrė joined the Rail Baltica team last year. She collaborates daily with designers, construction contractors, FIDIC engineers, maintenance and quality specialists to ensure the comprehensive execution and implementation of contracts.
What are the biggest risks associated with large-scale international projects, and how does risk management contribute to their smooth implementation?
The most common risks in major projects are related to delays. The role of the risk manager is to anticipate and understand the causes of potential delays and find solutions. These causes can range from a lack of human resources to accurate procurement planning, and the need for prompt responses to questions from suppliers and stakeholders. Information must be accurate, clear, and free of ambiguities that could lead to further risks.
Regarding project deadlines, practice shows that they must not only be set objectively but also include allowances for force majeure events. For example, the outbreak of war in Ukraine has affected the entire supply chain of materials and services.
A project as large as Rail Baltica needs to be broken down into smaller parts, with the understanding that each part depends on the previous one. This makes effective communication throughout the chain essential.
In March, you are invited to present your career and work in Rail Baltica to students. How would you describe your daily activities to them?
My career began in law, where I worked extensively on public procurement. I then transitioned to drafting public procurement documents for contract works, representing contracting authorities, suppliers, and designers from the initiation of a contract to its execution, and, if necessary, in dispute resolution. This comprehensive experience has led me to a risk management position in the Rail Baltica project, which involves collaboration among many different parties.
In essence, my job is to thoroughly prepare, do my homework and anticipate potential issues two steps ahead.
What are the most difficult risks to predict?
The most difficult risks to predict are those that arise between the design phase and actual construction. Designers create plans based on studies and available data, but once ground works begin, the situation may differ. For example, we are conducting archaeological investigations along the entire Rail Baltica route. There is a risk that these investigations could result in areas being declared protected. Additionally, while geological surveys may have been conducted, unexpected groundwater could be discovered during construction, making it impossible to implement the planned technical solutions and necessitating a project revision. The goal is to address these issues promptly, without interrupting other works, and to involve the responsible authorities if needed.
As Rail Baltica’s work in Lithuania grows, so does the project team. Which professions are most needed now?
We are currently looking for a Risk Analyst and a Contract Manager—individuals with backgrounds in law, engineering, construction, and public procurement. New colleagues need to be bold and unafraid of challenges, as the Rail Baltica project requires many atypical decisions.
At the same time, we are continuously growing and learning. An engineer will gain knowledge about FIDIC contracts, while a lawyer or social specialist will learn extensively about engineering, including geotechnical monitoring and bridge construction, not to mention railway construction.
Your hobbies include running, cycling, and active sports. What are the similarities between running a marathon and implementing an international project?
Whether running a marathon or implementing a large-scale project, success requires a plan, discipline, and smart resource management. Just like in training, knowing when to push forward and when to pause and reassess is key to reaching the finish line.