Production of Rail Baltica turnouts begins in Lithuania: first delivery this autumn
Production of standard gauge (1435 mm) high-speed railway turnouts is commencing in Lithuania, in the Vilnius district, by voestalpine Railway Systems. As early as this autumn, turnout systems will be delivered to the most advanced Rail Baltica construction section, Šveicarija–Žeimiai (Jonava district), where approximately 8.8 km of European standard gauge track has already been laid.
“The construction of the European-gauge railway in Lithuania has reached an important milestone – the first tracks have already been laid, and modern high-speed turnout systems will soon be installed on the most advanced Rail Baltica section near Jonava. Notably, this infrastructure will be produced here in Lithuania, marking a substantial investment in regional security and in faster, more convenient connections with Europe,” said Roderikas Žiobakas, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of Lithuania.
At the end of 2024, LTG Infra procured materials required for the construction of the superstructure. In 2025, a construction contract was signed with joint venture partners Leonhard Weiss International and Leonhard Weiss OÜ. The part of the contract related to the supply and installation of these turnouts amounts to approximately EUR 8.1 million (with VAT). LTG Group holds a 34% stake in voestalpine Railway Systems Lithuania, while the remaining shares are owned by the Austrian group voestalpine AG.
“We are proud that Rail Baltica turnout production is starting in Lithuania. Cooperation with voestalpine Railway Systems is a strong example of how investments in an international project create tangible value in the region – supporting the development of modern infrastructure and contributing to the local economy through jobs, partnerships and business opportunities,” says acting CEO of LTG Group Arūnas Rumskas.
Turnouts are an essential part of railway infrastructure, enabling trains to safely change tracks and access stations, terminals, and maintenance facilities. In high-speed rail projects such as Rail Baltica, turnouts are among the most technologically complex components of the entire railway system, as they interact directly with other critical systems, including electrification and signaling.
“Turnouts used in the Rail Baltica project differ significantly from standard ones – they are designed for speeds of up to 300 km/h, manufactured from the highest quality materials, and feature highly precise geometry as well as enhanced load-bearing capacity. Advanced monitoring solutions are also being implemented: turnouts equipped with sensor systems enable real-time monitoring of infrastructure condition and environmental factors, early identification of potential faults, and more efficient maintenance. These are crucial elements in ensuring a reliable, safe and durable modern railway infrastructure system,” says Vytis Žalimas, CEO of LTG Infra.
voestalpine Railway Systems Lithuania is part of the voestalpine Railway Systems Group. The Group is one of the global leaders in railway infrastructure, operating in more than 70 locations worldwide and employing approximately 8,400 people. It supplies turnout systems, signaling and digital monitoring solutions used in major railway projects across Europe, the Americas, Asia and other regions.
According to voestalpine Railway Systems representatives, the start of turnout production in Lithuania marks an important milestone for both the company and the Rail Baltica project, ensuring integrated solutions that are fully compatible with the entire railway corridor infrastructure.
In Lithuania, construction contracts have been signed for a 114 km section between Kaunas and Panevėžys, of which 8.8 km of European standard gauge track has already been laid in the most advanced section Šveicarija–Žeimiai. A procurement procedure has been launched for design services for the section between Panevėžys and the Lithuanian–Latvian border (54 km), with work planned to begin this year. Design work is ongoing for the Rail Baltica railway line from the Lithuanian–Polish border to Kaunas (nearly 100 km). In addition, design activities have officially commenced within the dedicated Rail Baltica Design Unit established by LTG Infra.
Rail Baltica is a strategic project for both the LTG Group and the European Union and is the largest railway infrastructure project in the history of the Baltic States. Once completed, it will deliver an electrified European standard gauge railway line connecting Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with Central and Western Europe, strengthening regional integration, civil and military mobility, and the overall resilience of the transport system.
Last updated: 16-06-2026
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