On 16 July, in a special event a time capsule with a message and mementos for the future was placed in the foundations of the dispatching building of the extension of the tram line 7 in Višķu iela. This is a symbolic start of a new phase of public transport development in Riga, where a modern infrastructure is being built for the convenience of citizens and the development of sustainable mobility.

The last time a new tram line was built in Riga was more than 40 years ago. The time capsule is placed in the foundations of the future dispatcher building, which will serve as a workplace for Rīgas satiksme dispatchers and other employees, ensuring efficient operation of tram line 7 and the transport interchange. Currently, the construction of the tram turnaround point and the dispatcher building is in progress.

Džineta Innusa, Chairwoman of the Board of Rīgas satiksme: “Today, the time capsule symbolises our work towards the future. This project is more than just infrastructure – it is a step towards more accessible, convenient and environmentally friendly public transport in Riga. Although it is still a construction site, it will soon become an important terminus where different transport modes will arrive and where our colleagues will work. I am particularly pleased that the employees who will work there later – the people who best understand the importance of this point in our daily work – are also taking part in the laying of the capsule. It is not just a building, but a place where we will ensure the smooth, safe and comfortable operation of our public transport system.”

Andris Kužnieks, Acting Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia: “I congratulate the Riga Municipality and Rīgas satiksme on the launch of an important traffic infrastructure project. This is a major step forward in improving the mobility of the capital city and in the path towards climate neutrality. This project is made possible thanks to the support of the Recovery and Resilience Fund of the European Union, one of the main instruments contributing to the sustainable development of Member States. Riga is one of the 100 climate-neutral and smart cities in Europe, and this project is a good example of how EU funds can be invested strategically to make the daily lives of citizens safer, more comfortable and greener. The successful implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism projects not only demonstrates the ability to invest in quality in important projects, but also strengthens the position of Latvia in the fight for funding in the next EU Multiannual Budget. We look forward to the launch of the project!”

“I am pleased that the Recovery Fund is helping to make the Riga metropolitan public transport greener and at the same time create a smart and citizen-oriented urban environment. This gives people the opportunity to choose comfortable and environmentally friendly means of transport and to switch from private cars to public transport. The Ministry of Transport is grateful to the partners for their successful cooperation in implementing transport projects. I am glad that the cooperation with Rīgas satiksme has been successful – the planned improvements are going as planned, and this project is an example of good practice for other municipalities that are still on their way to implementing traffic improvement projects,” says Kristīne Pudiste, Advisor to the Minister of Transport.

Marta Kotello, Head of the Traffic and Transport Committee of Riga City Council: “Riga, as a modern European capital, continues to develop public transport. The extension of the tram line will create a convenient mobility point, and the residents of Rumbula and Ķengarags will benefit from a landscaped street space with improved lighting and the construction of a section of the main cycle route that will connect to Salaspils in the future.

Ainārs Karlsons, representative of SIA Binders: “Recently we symbolically bolted the first rail together, but we are already at the future terminus and will soon be laying the rails here too. The work is progressing according to plan and overall the project is on schedule.”

The event was attended by the Board of Rīgas satiksme, Riga City Executive Director Jānis Lange and Riga City Council representatives, as well as the Acting Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia Andris Kužnieks, representatives of the Ministry of Transport, Ainārs Karlsons from the construction company Binders and Rīgas satiksme employees who will be working at the new terminus in the future.

The total track extension of tram route 7 will be 2.2 kilometres. As part of the construction works, a transport interchange will be built on a land plot at the Latgales and Višķu iela intersection. A new control building is planned for its functioning, as well as access roads from both Latgales iela and Višķu iela for public transport movements. The area will also be landscaped with large shelters, information signs, and boards, greenery and street lighting. The trolleybus route 15 will also be extended 300 metres along Višķu iela to the transport interchange.

The project is planned to be completed by May 2026. A contract for the design, construction and supervision of the project has been concluded with CBF SIA Binders in the amount of EUR 28 349 687.19 excluding VAT. The project is financed within the framework of the related measures 1.1.1.2.i.2. and 1.1.1.2.i.3. of the investment 1.1.1.2.i “Environmentally friendly improvements to the public transport system of the city of Riga” 1.1.1.r. reform “Greening the Riga Metropolitan Range Transport System” of the reforms and investment axis 1.1. “Emission Reduction in the Transport Sector” of the Component No. 1. “Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability” of the Recovery and Resilience Facility Plan of the European Union.