Rail Baltica in Latvia

Italferr, part of the Infrastructure Hub of Gruppo FS, has signed the contract for the support to the implementation of the construction of the approx. 230 km long double track high-speed line (249 km/h), in Latvia, within the global “Rail Baltica” project.

Italferr, in its role of FIDIC Engineer, will execute Consulting Engineering (Design Review) and Project Management Services until all construction works of the mainline are carried out.

Rail Baltica: A new standard for mobility

The Rail Baltica project is a new rail infrastructure aimed at integrating the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) into the European rail network and, in the future, with Finland too. This strategic Project will be a powerful catalyst for a sustainable economic growth in Latvia and in the Baltic States. The infrastructure will develop a new standard of passenger and freight mobility in Latvia and for the other Baltic States included in the Rail Baltica global project.

Italferr will act on behalf of the Client national implementing body of Rail Baltica in Latvia LLC Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas (EDZL), and, in its role of FIDIC Engineer, Italferr will perform Engineering and Project Management Services until all construction works of the mainline are carried out.

The role of Italferr within the project execution will be to enforce the respect of the European Norms and Standards, including the ones related to Ethics, Health, Safety & Environmental matters.

Italferr will ensure strong presence in Latvia, relocating dozens of experienced engineers and establishing site offices. Works will be carried out in cooperation with Latvian companies and subcontractors.

During the contract execution, the engineering consultant will provide the following services:

§  Reviewing construction plans and preparing for construction work;

§  Engaging international and local experts;

§  Preparing documentation in accordance with European Union regulations;

§  Conducting construction supervision in line with internationally recognized FIDIC practices;

§  Ensuring compliance with Latvian legislation for construction activities;

§  Auditing and verifying change orders, executed construction work, financial flow agreements, and other documentation.

The contract reinforces the involvement of Italferr in Latvia, and within the delivery of such a mega-Project Italferr also is already engaged in the implementation of the line-wide electrification and signalling sub-systems.