Temporary wooden platforms appear at certain train stations across Latvia
In a significant development for commuters in Riga, Latvia, Tornakalns railway station has seen the first construction of temporary elevated train platforms among 16 stations. This move is part of Latvian Railways' efforts to improve conditions at nine stations, originally planned to be improved as part of the Rail Baltica project, due to delays in the project.
On Wednesday, 4 June, the station welcomed the new platforms, marking a milestone in the modernisation of Latvia's railway infrastructure. One of the three planned platforms at Tornakalns was completed and began serving passengers on the same day.
The temporary raised platforms are intended to improve the boarding and alighting conditions for passengers. They are also part of Latvian Railways' proposal to improve the conditions at these nine stations. The construction of temporary elevated train platforms at Tornakalns is the first of its kind among the 16 stations where such platforms will be built.
The idea to build the temporary raised platforms at the six smaller stations - Rumbula, Dārziņi, Cena, Kaibala, and at Valmiera station, which were originally closed - came from Latvian Railways in collaboration with local authorities. This initiative aims to improve accessibility at these stations.
The planned Riga-Tartu route will also include the construction of raised platforms at Valmiera railway station. The temporary platform at Tornakalns railway station is currently scheduled to remain in place for five years, but this may be extended.
However, not all reactions to the new platforms have been positive. Train passenger Anita expressed her satisfaction with the improved boarding on the Jelgava line but expressed concern about the conditions at Tornakalns station, describing it as a "cynical mockery". Lidija, a resident of Jūrmala, praised the platforms in her city but criticized the conditions at Tornakalns station in Riga.
Despite these concerns, Latvian Railways plans to modernise approximately 70% of these 138 stations by 2029. This ambitious project will see significant improvements in Latvia's railway infrastructure, benefiting countless commuters across the country.
