Train stations in Latvia witness the emergence of temporary, wooden structures
In an effort to enhance boarding conditions at stations affected by the Rail Baltica project delays, Latvian Railways has initiated the construction of temporary elevated train platforms at several stations across the country.
On Wednesday, 4 June, Torņakalns railway station in Latvia saw the first construction of these temporary platforms. Three platforms are being built at Torņakalns, with one already serving passengers. The temporary platform at Torņakalns is scheduled to remain in place for five years, but this duration may be extended.
Anita, a train passenger who frequently travels to Stradiņi hospital, has expressed her appreciation for the improved boarding on the Jelgava line and hoped for similar improvements at Torņakalns. However, Lidija, a resident of Jūrmala, praised the platforms in her town but criticized the boarding situation in Riga.
The temporary platforms at Torņakalns and 15 other railway stations were constructed primarily to accommodate increased passenger flows and possibly renovation projects or infrastructure upgrades occurring around 2024–2025. However, exact construction start and completion dates are not explicitly detailed in the available sources.
The modernization of Valmiera railway station is part of the 16 stations where temporary platforms will be built to address boarding difficulties experienced by passengers. This modernization is also part of the planned Rīga-Tartu route, another route where modernization efforts are being made, in addition to the Rail Baltica project. As a result, raised platforms will be built at Valmiera railway station.
Latvian Railways aims to modernize approximately 70% of these stations by 2029. This modernization includes the nine stations that were initially planned to be modernized as part of the Rail Baltica project, as well as the six smaller stations, including Rumbula, Dārziņi, Cena, and Kaibala, that were once planned to be closed due to low passenger traffic.
The Rail Baltica project, originally planned to improve nine stations, has been delayed. As a result, Latvian Railways is implementing temporary 'modernisation' at nine stations to address the immediate needs of passengers.
In total, there are 138 railway stations and stops in Latvia where passenger services are provided. The temporary platforms at Torņakalns railway station are intended to address boarding difficulties experienced by passengers, reflecting Latvian Railways' commitment to improving the overall passenger experience.
The temporary elevated train platforms at Torņakalns railway station are a part of the media-discussed modernization projects in the transportation industry, funded by finance sources yet to be fully disclosed. These modernization initiatives also encompass the construction of raised platforms at Valmiera railway station, which is significant for the lsm (Latvian media) as it's a part of the larger Rīga-Tartu route’s infrastructure renovation, parallel to the Rail Baltica project.
