Ülemiste terminal remains on track for 2028 completion

The Ülemiste passenger terminal is due to be completed in late 2028 despite a delay to the Rail Baltic railway project, ERR reports. The railway’s completion target has shifted from 2030 to 2034.

Rail Baltic Estonia spokeswoman Silvia Pärmann told ERR that construction at the terminal is proceeding as planned and will continue. The work includes the main building and outdoor areas. The building’s concrete frame is expected to be finished by the end of this year, making its size and architectural form more visible, she said.

Part of the terminal is already in use: Elron uses one of its platforms. Domestic train services to Tartu and Narva will continue to pass through the Ülemiste Linda terminal on the existing railway, so the completed terminal will be in use before Rail Baltic trains begin running.

Pärmann said the terminal will bring together tram, bus and domestic rail services. Tram connections will link it with, among other places, the airport and port.

Transport Minister Kuldar Leis said last week that the three Baltic states had agreed to complete Rail Baltic by 2034, making maximum use of funding in the next European Union budget period. Work already under way will not be stopped, he said.

Rail Baltic Estonia, Tallinn Airport and Mainor Ülemiste presented plans in February to develop the Ülemiste district, with nearly 500 million euros in investment expected over the coming years. The plans include a high-rise building with a conference centre and a European park. Tallinn Airport is working on a 75 million euro development project, while the city has applied to build a multifunctional arena with 10,000 seats in Ülemiste.