The start of turnout manufacturing marks another milestone for Rail Baltica as construction progresses across the Baltic states.
Rail Baltica has marked the symbolic start of turnout production for the project at the voestalpine Railway Systems facility in Valčiūnai, Lithuania, representing another key milestone in the development of the European-gauge railway.
Representatives from the Lithuanian Ministry of Transport and Communications, LTG Group, RB Rail AS, Rail Baltic Estonia and voestalpine Railway Systems gathered at the facility to celebrate the beginning of production for one of the railway’s most important infrastructure components.
The event follows the signing of framework agreements covering the supply of turnout systems and rail expansion joints across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The agreements have been signed by Rail Baltic Estonia, Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas, LTG Infra and RB Rail AS and will support the future operation of the railway, subject to funding availability and project requirements.
Rail Baltica turnout production begins in Lithuania
Turnouts play a critical role in railway operations by allowing trains to move between tracks and access stations, terminals and maintenance facilities. For a high-speed railway such as Rail Baltica, these systems are among the most technically complex elements of the infrastructure and must meet strict requirements for safety, reliability and performance.
Lithuanian Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Roderikas Žiobakas said: “The construction of the European-gauge railway in Lithuania has reached an important milestone – the first tracks have already been laid, and modern high-speed turnout systems will soon be installed on the most advanced Rail Baltica section near Jonava.”
He added: “Notably, this infrastructure will be produced here in Lithuania, marking a substantial investment in regional security and in faster, more convenient connections with Europe.”
RB Rail AS Chief Executive Officer Marko Kivila highlighted the importance of the systems to future railway operations.
He said: “Turnouts are often described as the heart of a railway network. By securing a standardized turnout solution for Rail Baltica, we are helping to create the conditions for safe and efficient railway operations across the corridor.”
Common infrastructure supports interoperability
The consolidated procurement approach will provide a common turnout solution across the entire Rail Baltica corridor, helping ensure compatibility between infrastructure, signalling and traffic management systems.
Using a single supplier is also expected to simplify maintenance, reduce lifecycle complexity and improve coordination between track, civil engineering, electrification and signalling works.
Rail expansion joints, which are also included within the agreements, will help accommodate rail movement caused by temperature changes and structural shifts, supporting long-term operational reliability.
LTG Group Acting CEO Arūnas Rumskas said: “We are proud that turnout production for Rail Baltica is starting here in Lithuania, with the first turnouts to be delivered already this autumn for the construction of the railway superstructure.”
He added: “Investments made into Rail Baltica not only support the development of modern infrastructure, but also return to local economies through jobs, partnerships and business opportunities.”
voestalpine, a global supplier of railway systems, has extensive experience delivering turnout systems and rail expansion joints for international railway projects and already maintains a strong presence in the Baltic region.
The first turnout systems produced at the Lithuanian facility are expected to be delivered later this year as construction continues across the Rail Baltica network.
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