From Austria to Lithuania: LTG Cargo’s Historic Freight Milestone and Rail Baltica’s Massive Expansion

LTG Cargo expands Lithuania’s role in European rail transport, completing its first freight shipment from Austria and progressing on the Rail Baltica project.

LTG Cargo, part of the LTG Group, has completed its first-ever rail freight delivery from Austria to Lithuania. The shipment, which consisted of 642 tons of new railway tracks, was delivered from Leoben Donawitz in Austria to Šeštokai, Lithuania, marking a significant milestone for the company in expanding its international operations.

According to LTG Cargo's press release, the 25-wagon train, carrying the new rails, jorneyed through Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland, before reaching its destination in Lithuania. The tracks will be used for railway maintenance and projects, including the ongoing development of the Rail Baltica project.

🇪🇺🫂🇱🇹🇱🇻🇪🇪 The Baltic States, in cooperation with the European Union, are undertaking the Rail Baltica railway project. This strategically investment will integrate Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia into the European transport system, freeing them from former Russian influences 👏 pic.twitter.com/acOkmyg9Jo

— Intermarium 24 (@intermarium24) December 8, 2024

Expanding Rail Freight Routes in Europe

Eglė Šimė, General Director of LTG Cargo, said that this successful delivery is part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance its international presence. "LTG Cargo is expanding its routes to the West and offering reliable and sustainable transportation solutions. The demand for rails in Lithuania, particularly for Rail Baltica, is growing, and we are ready to meet that need," Šimė said.

This freight shipment is just one example of the company’s efforts to strengthen Lithuania’s role in Europe’s rail network. LTG Cargo worked closely with Rail Cargo Group and LTG Cargo Polska to handle the transportation through various countries.

Supporting Sustainable Rail Infrastructure

The newly delivered rails will be used by LTG Infra, the infrastructure management arm of the LTG Group, for maintenance and repair work across Lithuania’s rail network. These rails will help extend the reach of the country’s rail system and support the infrastructure necessary for the Rail Baltica project, which aims to connect Lithuania to the rest of Europe through high-speed rail.

Rail Baltica Progress in Lithuania

As previously reported by RAILTARGET, Lithuania is making steady progress on the Rail Baltica project. By October, the construction of the Rail Baltica embankment had been extended by 17.1 km, with Eurovia CZ a.s. and Eurovia Lietuva AB taking on the project, valued at nearly EUR 98 million. This extension brings the active construction closer to Panevėžys, adding to the 29.2 km already underway in the Jonava district.

The project is expected to improve regional connectivity and military mobility across the Baltic countries. Loreta Maskaliovienė, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications, pointed out its importance, saying that the Rail Baltica connection is vital for Lithuania and the region’s integration with the European rail network. Egidijus Lazauskas, CEO of LTG Group, added that Eurovia’s experience in road construction ensures that this international project will be executed efficiently, helping Lithuania become more sustainable and competitive, according to Rail Baltica's website.

The Rail Baltica expansion project is set to be completed by 2027, with funding from both the European Union and the Lithuanian state budget. In addition to the railway construction, Eurovia Lietuva has previously worked on creating access and service roads to support the new infrastructure. Artūras Prichodka, CEO of Eurovia Lietuva, expressed the company’s commitment to high standards of quality, safety, and environmental protection, adding that the project will create new opportunities for Lithuania.

Source: LTG Cargo; RAILTARGET; Rail Baltica