In May 2026, a significant milestone in construction and engineering works was reached at the southern section of the new Riga Central Station: the phased activation of the facility’s permanent power supply system began. The transition to “Power On” mode signifies the decommissioning of temporary power sources and the commencement of operations for the permanent electrical infrastructure, thereby enabling the initiation of comprehensive testing and commissioning of the building’s internal systems. According to a representative of Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas – the national implementing body for the Rail Baltica project in Latvia – this phase transforms the site from a mere construction zone into a technically functional infrastructure, ready for further preparations regarding passenger services.
The general contractor, BERERIX, is currently connecting the primary engineering systems to the permanent power supply and conducting comprehensive checks to verify their functionality and safety. Over the coming months, the site will undergo functional equipment testing, integrated safety system trials, and preparations for the station’s provisional commissioning. Concurrently, work continues on the construction of internal utility networks, platform infrastructure, and the building’s façade, as well as on interior finishing and the integration of digital and security systems.
The construction project for the southern section of Riga Central Station is funded under the Rail Baltica passenger infrastructure modernization program. The total funding amounts to nearly €138.7 million, of which over €114.6 million has been allocated from the EU Recovery Fund. According to the schedule, major construction works are slated for completion by August 31, 2026. However, the full launch of passenger services will only be possible following the completion of the 1520 mm gauge railway infrastructure, which is currently scheduled for mid-2028.