On 1 June, Rīgas satiksme officially inaugurated the extension of Tram Route 7 and the new "Ķengarags" mobility hub during a ceremonial event. With the completion of the project, a new section of tram track, a mobility hub, a dispatcher building, and upgraded surrounding infrastructure have been developed in Ķengarags, making public transport more convenient and transfers between different modes of transport easier.

The event was attended by representatives of Rīgas satiksme, the Riga City Municipality, the European Commission Representation in Latvia, the Central Finance and Contracting Agency, the Ministry of Transport, the construction company SIA Binders, and other organisations involved in the implementation of the project.

"This is not just a story about new tracks, stops, or buildings. It is a story about people and about creating opportunities for the city to become more convenient, better connected, and more modern. No new tram line section has been built in Riga for more than 40 years, which makes today a truly significant moment not only for Ķengarags but for the entire city," emphasized Jānis Golubevs, Member of the Management Board of Rīgas satiksme.

Meanwhile, Riga City Council Chairman Viesturs Kleinbergs noted: "A city develops when everyday life becomes more convenient for its residents — when people can get to work, school, or home more quickly, easily transfer between different modes of transport, and choose public transport as a reliable option for daily travel."

Andris Kužnieks, Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia, highlighted the project's importance for sustainable mobility: "This project is an excellent example of how Recovery and Resilience Facility investments help create a more modern, environmentally friendly, and resident-oriented urban environment, while improving quality of life and strengthening sustainable urban development. A new tram line section and mobility hub are not merely infrastructure — they mean more accessible public transport, lower emissions, and more efficient daily travel. Such investments are essential for the future of both Riga and Latvia."

At the same time, Oskars Rikmanis, Member of the Management Board of SIA Binders, underlined the challenging construction conditions and the importance of cooperation: "Delivering a project of this scale within eighteen months under such conditions requires three key elements: precisely planned construction works, the best possible traffic management solutions during construction, and the cooperation, understanding, and patience of local residents."

Starting from the first services on 1 June, Tram Routes 7 and 14, as well as Trolleybus Route 15 and Bus Route 49, have been extended to the new mobility hub. On the newly built tram track section along Latgales Street, new stops have been established in both directions: "Rasas iela", "Ikšķiles iela", and "Ķengarags Mobility Hub".

The total extension of the tram track is 2.2 kilometres. As part of the project, a mobility hub, a new dispatcher building, and access roads required for public transport operations were constructed near the intersection of Latgales Street and Višķu Street. The area has also been landscaped, including the installation of shelters, passenger information displays, greenery, and street lighting.

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.

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