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RB Rail AS, the central coordinator for the Rail Baltica project, has launched a market consultation to gather expertise for the design of the railway’s energy subsystem in Latvia and Lithuania. This move signals a progression into the detailed design phase of the ambitious infrastructure project, aiming to connect the Baltic states with the European rail network.

The consultation, announced on February 18, 2026, is an open competition intended to secure the necessary technical development and detailed design work for the energy infrastructure that will power the high-speed rail line. Rail Baltica, a project decades in the making, is envisioned as a critical component of regional security and economic growth, offering a modern transportation alternative and bolstering military mobility capabilities.

Rail Baltica’s Energy Needs: A Complex Undertaking

The energy subsystem design is a crucial element of Rail Baltica, requiring specialized knowledge to ensure a reliable and efficient power supply for the 870-kilometer (540-mile) railway. The project spans Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, with a planned extension towards Poland. According to the official Rail Baltica website, the railway will utilize a 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead line for electrification.

The consultation specifically focuses on expertise needed in Latvia and Lithuania, reflecting the current phase of development in those regions. Work in Latvia is concentrated on the southern section of the main line between Riga and the Lithuanian border, with approximately 202 kilometers (125 miles) of track planned within the country. Construction readiness is currently at 43% across the entire main line, according to Rail Journal.

Strategic Importance and Funding

Rail Baltica is not solely a civilian infrastructure project. A recent forum in Vilnius highlighted the importance of operational mobility for collective defense, underscoring the railway’s strategic military component. This dual-leverage nature has been a key factor in securing funding and prioritizing the project’s completion.

The project has received significant financial backing from the European Union. In October 2025, a €295.5 million grant (approximately $318.5 million USD based on current exchange rates) was secured to advance construction across all three Baltic states, as reported by Construction Review Online. This funding is allocated with approximately €47.1 million to Estonia, €153.5 million to Latvia, and €94.9 million to Lithuania, including RB Rail AS’s share as joint project coordinator.

Multimodal Integration and Future Development

Beyond passenger transport, Rail Baltica incorporates plans for three multimodal freight terminals in Muuga Harbour (Estonia), Salaspils (Latvia), and Kaunas (Lithuania), as detailed in Wikipedia. These terminals are designed to integrate with the existing 1,520 mm railway system, creating logistical synergies and expanding freight capabilities.

The project is currently in full-scale construction, with mainline works, international stations, bridges, and crossings all progressing. Phase 1, involving single-track construction, is slated for completion in 2030, with the full double-track system planned for a later, currently unspecified, date.

The market consultation for the energy subsystem design represents a critical step towards realizing the full potential of Rail Baltica. The project’s success hinges on attracting qualified expertise to ensure a robust and sustainable energy infrastructure that can support high-speed rail operations for decades to arrive.

Looking ahead, RB Rail AS will evaluate responses to the market consultation and initiate the procurement process for the detailed design work. The selection of a qualified partner will be a key milestone in advancing the Rail Baltica project and bringing the vision of a connected Baltic region closer to reality. Share your thoughts on this important infrastructure project in the comments below.

Ajman, UAE – Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, has overseen final preparations for the launch of “Hamid Bridge,” a dedicated air relief corridor designed to deliver critical aid to the people of Gaza. The initiative, launched under the umbrella of “Operation Gallant Knight 3,” underscores the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to humanitarian assistance during a period of significant need. The launch coincides with the approaching month of Ramadan, aiming to provide essential support to Palestinian families.

The humanitarian effort was directed by Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, reflecting a deep-rooted tradition of providing aid to those affected by crisis. “Hamid Bridge” will focus on transporting a diverse range of relief supplies, including food parcels, medical supplies and essential items for children and women, to address the immediate needs of families in Gaza. This initiative builds upon the UAE’s ongoing efforts to alleviate suffering and provide a lifeline to the Palestinian people.

Operation Gallant Knight 3 Mobilizes Support

A delegation from “Operation Gallant Knight 3” confirmed that the directives of Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, and the close monitoring of preparations by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, demonstrate the UAE’s profound humanitarian approach. The operation is a multi-faceted response to the ongoing crisis, aiming to provide comprehensive support to the Palestinian population. The delegation, which included Mohammed Al Marri, Chairman of the “Gallant Knight 3” committee, Hamoud Al Afari, Coordinator of Relief Operations, and Hamad Al Mulla, the committee’s Media Coordinator, along with social media influencer Abdullah bin Shafi Al Kaabi, met with Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid at the Al Zaher Palace to review the final stages of preparation.

Several charitable organizations within Ajman are collaborating to ensure the success of “Hamid Bridge.” These include the Hamad bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Charity Foundation, the Emirates Humanitarian Work Organization, the Emirates Red Crescent, the Ihsan Charity Association, and the Etihad Charity Foundation. These organizations will be responsible for preparing the aid packages, coordinating shipping logistics, and ensuring the swift delivery of supplies to those in need. According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), this collaborative effort aims to maximize the impact of the aid and reach the most vulnerable populations.

UAE’s Long-Standing Commitment to Gaza Relief

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi emphasized that this initiative stems from the UAE’s consistent humanitarian stance of supporting those in need and offering assistance during times of hardship. He stated that supporting Gaza is both a fraternal and humanitarian duty, reflecting the core values upon which the UAE was founded. Gulf365 reports that the air bridge will transport a variety of aid, including food supplies, medical materials, and necessities for children and women.

The launch of “Hamid Bridge” is part of a broader effort by the UAE to provide substantial aid to Gaza. Al Khaleej reported that the initiative reflects the UAE’s leading role in global humanitarian efforts. Abdullah Al Hamed previously stated that the UAE’s approach to Gaza combines diplomatic efforts with substantial aid provision, demonstrating a holistic strategy to address the complex challenges facing the region.

As preparations finalize, the focus now shifts to the efficient and timely delivery of aid to Gaza. The success of “Hamid Bridge” will depend on the continued collaboration between UAE authorities and charitable organizations, as well as the smooth coordination of logistical operations. The coming days will be critical in ensuring that much-needed supplies reach those affected by the ongoing crisis, offering a measure of relief during the holy month of Ramadan.

The launch of this air bridge represents a significant step in the UAE’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Palestinian people. Further updates on the delivery of aid and the impact of “Hamid Bridge” are expected as the operation unfolds. We encourage readers to share this story and engage in constructive conversation about the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza.