Estonian Railways Ltd
- develops and maintains 1219 km of railroad, 61 stations and 133 railway platforms.
- answers for efficient traffic supervision and safety of the railway
- operates as the region’s railway competence centre
Estonian Railways Ltd is a state-owned company operating since 1870 and is responsible for railway administration related tasks. Estonian Railways Ltd ensures smooth operation, management and maintenance of the railway infrastructure and efficient traffic management. The company is additionally also responsible for development and functioning of the railway infrastructure and acts as a partner in solving cross-border issues and settling on standards.
As the owner of the railway infrastructure, Estonian Railways Ltd holds a central role in functioning of the transit sector and responsibility for maintaining a functioning competitive situation both in passenger and cargo transport. In its operations, Estonian Railways Ltd as a state company aligns its activities on the National Transport Development Plan.
High-quality railway service can only be provided in a safe traffic environment. Continuous investing into development and maintenance of the infrastructure ensures conditions for high-quality and safe rail traffic in both cargo and passenger transport. Safe and smooth railway traffic is ensured by working 24/7. Estonian Railway Ltd has strong rescue capability and technology and constant preparedness for crisis situations.
The vision of Estonian Railway Ltd is to be the region’s most advanced railway infrastructure manager. This goal is supported also by the company’s values: cooperation, honesty, innovation and professionalism.
History
The first ever railroad in Estonia was opened for traffic on November 5, 1870 on the Paldiski - Tallinn - Narva - Gatchina route. This date is the birthday of Estonian Railways Ltd. (Eesti Raudtee). In the same year, the railroad was connected to the Saint Petersburg - Warsaw route. In 1870, the Baltic Railroad Association (Balti Raudteeselts) extended the route from Gatchina to Tosno, thereby establishing connection with what is currently known as the October Railway. Owing to the Baltic railroad began to develop rapidly the practically ice free Port of Tallinn where a grain elevator, massive for its time, was built.