Residents, businesses, and organizations in Panevėžys and surrounding areas now have the opportunity to review detailed plans for the Rail Baltica infrastructure in the region. The European-gauge railway will be integrated with the existing narrow-gauge railway, ensuring the preservation of all 23 structures in the Šilas garden community as mandated by territorial planning requirements.
The proposed development plan for Rail Baltica’s Panevėžys node, which includes infrastructure upgrades and new facilities like an international passenger station and cargo terminals, is open for public consultation until September 17th. Following collaboration with cultural heritage and transportation authorities, the railway route alignment has been adjusted to the eastern side, utilizing the narrow-gauge railway’s territory.
Rail Baltica’s impact on both sides of its route is expected to be significant, enhancing connectivity across the Baltic states. Plans include a new regional passenger station near Gustoniai, alongside infrastructure for maintenance depots, cargo terminals, and military equipment yards. These developments aim to integrate Baltic capitals into Europe’s high-speed railway network, with passenger trains projected to reach speeds up to 249 km/h, reducing travel times between Panevėžys and Kaunas to 37 minutes and enabling a journey to Riga in just 55 minutes after construction completion.