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.
Priit Kasari, Technical Integration Manager, RB Rail AS
This week, we are excited to introduce our colleague Priit Kasari, who serves as the Technical Integration Manager at RB Rail AS. Priit joined the Rail Baltica project in May 2022, driven by a strong desire to be part of a groundbreaking initiative shaping the future of the Baltic region and enhancing connectivity with Europe.
In this interview, Priit shares his journey with the Rail Baltica project, highlighting the lessons learned, the importance of adaptability, and the challenges of working with multiple stakeholders from different Baltic states. He also reflects on how the project has impacted his perspective, comparing it to his childhood experience of how transportation changed his world.
When did you join the Rail Baltica project and what inspired you to become a part of the team?
I joined the project in May 2022, nearly three years ago, and when the opportunity came my way, I eagerly seized it. I was excited to be part of this initiative to shape the Baltic region and bring it closer to Europe as a whole.
How has your role evolved since you first joined the Rail Baltica project, and what have you learned along the way?
I have been with the project for nearly three years and have held three different positions during that time. When I first joined, we were still in the middle of the design phase, and I worked as a bridge engineer with the intention to transitioning to supervision activities once construction process became more prominent. However, after a year, my role shifted, and I was put in charge of managing local facility design activities. While I continue to focus on these responsibilities, my position has evolved, including a title change. I still carry out bridge engineering duties, and moving forward, I expect to support System Engineering and Assurance Department as well. Adaptability has definitely been key in this project, as the services we provide evolve depending on the project’s stage.
What does the Rail Baltica project mean to you?
I feel that the grandeur of the world depends on the available means of transportation. As a kid, the farthest reaches of my village seemed like the boundary of my world, but when I got a bicycle, neighboring villages became easily accessible, and what once felt distant within my own village no longer seemed so far. This shift is similar to how Rail Baltica connects us to Poland and the rest of Europe, making trade and travel more accessible and practical.
What do you believe is the most challenging aspect of this mega project?
One of the major challenges I have noticed stems from the number of interested parties involved in the project. While each Baltic state excels in infrastructure construction quality, construction practices vary due to differing local legislation. As a result, it is often challenging to find a common solution that works consistently across all Baltic states.
What hobbies, interests, talents do you have?
Music has played a big part in my life for as long as I can remember. In high school, I played drums, though I am afraid not much remains of those skills, as it has been a long time since I had the chance to play. I have also taken a few dance classes, including Bachata in 2019, and more recently, Drum and Bass step, which is a dance style rooted in rave culture. I dabble in music production as well, currently working on a drum and bass track (but no, you cannot hear it). Music is always playing in the background for me, whether I am listening casually or while weightlifting at the gym.