The Ministry of Climate has allocated €300,000 in next year's budget to facilitate the launch of the long-anticipated Tartu-Riga train connection. The decision to support this initiative stems from

Tartu's status as the European Capital of Culture in 2024.

While the specific timeline for the train line's opening remains undetermined, it will be decided in collaboration with the train operator, Elron.

Climate Minister Kristen Michal of the Reform Party stated that there are plans for a more permanent connection between Tartu and Riga in the long run. However, for now, the focus is on the upcoming year.

Elron CEO Lauri Betlem confirmed that the company is actively exploring the possibility of launching this rail link. The process includes the certification of Estonia's trains and train drivers for operation on Latvian railways, along with evaluating infrastructure compatibility.

Betlem explained, "We have initiated contact with Latvian authorities to commence the process, and consultations are underway regarding the viability of this rail connection."

Mayor of Tartu Urmas Klaas, also from the Reform Party, expressed his desire to inaugurate the train connection at the beginning of the summer tourist season. He emphasized that it is crucial for the train schedules to align with passengers' needs and expectations. Klaas suggested that the travel time should be kept under 3.5 hours.

Moreover, there are preliminary discussions about extending the rail link to Vilnius, according to Minister Michal. This potential route would connect Vilnius to Tallinn, passing through Šiauliai, Riga, Valga, and Tartu. Photo by Anvelt, Wikimedia commons.