The Lithuanian government has approved the engineering infrastructure development plan for the Rail Baltica railway hub in Panevezys and has begun the process of land acquisition for public needs, which will last until the end of 2027. According to the plan, an international passenger station designed to handle up to 4,800 passengers per day will be built in the western part of the city, next to the transport hub.
An environmental impact assessment report for the construction of the hub was presented at a public hearing in October. It is noted that the project will increase the popularity of public transport, reduce the use of private cars, reduce pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce the risk of accidents and travel time to Panevezys. In the Gustonys area, it is also planned to build a freight station, a maintenance depot, freight terminals and a regional passenger station.
The plan to build Rail Baltica in Panevezys has already received support from local businesses. They emphasize that the hub will create significant opportunities for the development of the city and the region, increasing the attractiveness for talent and specialists. Rail Baltica is the largest railway project in the history of the Baltic States, connecting key cities in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to the European network.