Lithuania plans Rail Baltica and other transport projects through 2028

Lithuania’s government and Transport Ministry have outlined a broad programme of transport work through 2028, including the first stage of Rail Baltica. They plan to complete that stage by the third quarter of the year, when the international railway project is expected to reach 40% completion overall.

Rail Baltica will connect the Baltic states with Poland. Construction will also continue on the Kaunas, Panevėžys section, while Lithuania expands its electrified railway network. An upgraded traffic management and signalling system will cover 100 kilometres, with the stated aim of reducing environmental impact.

The road programme calls for 61% of paved roads to meet requirements by 2028. Four road projects will begin with private-sector partners, while 105 bridges and viaducts are scheduled for repair by September. Authorities also plan to improve 500 unsafe pedestrian crossings, pave 160 kilometres of gravel roads and halve the number of dangerous road locations. The Kaunas, Prienai, Alytus road section will be reconstructed.

Plans for Via Baltica roads will be prepared and land acquisition will begin. Lithuania also expects to install 18 permanent weigh stations for heavy vehicles to reduce damage to roads. By early autumn 2028, the country aims to have 5,500 charging points, four hydrogen stations and 22 biomethane refuelling points. The share of vehicles using alternative fuels is projected to rise from 10% to 20%.

The programme includes wider high-speed internet coverage and mobile-network development agreements in five counties. Vilnius Airport is due to receive a new arrivals terminal by the third quarter of 2028, along with six additional flight routes.

In the Suwałki Corridor, road sections will be adapted for military mobility and dual-use purposes, and eight bridges will be reconstructed. Palemonas will receive a military equipment loading area, while railway infrastructure will be built for the Rūdninkai training ground.

Klaipėda Seaport will target annual cargo handling of 40 million tonnes. A new land area will be formed in the southern part of the port, where infrastructure will cover 100 hectares. The plans also provide for the expansion of smaller ports.