raudteed

Raudteed is Estonian for railways and refers to the railway system in Estonia, including its infrastructure, services, and institutions that enable rail transport. The network carries both passenger and freight traffic, connects the capital Tallinn with major cities and towns, and forms part of the Baltic rail corridor linking the region with neighboring countries.

The history of Estonian railways began in the late 19th century under the Russian Empire, with the first lines linking Tallinn to nearby towns and expanding in the early 20th century. After Estonia gained independence in the interwar period, the rail network was developed further and later integrated into the Soviet rail system. Following regaining independence in 1991, Estonia restructured and modernized its rail operations to align with European standards and practices.

The Estonian rail system uses a broad gauge of 1,520 millimeters, the Russian and Baltic standard. The network is concentrated around Tallinn and extends to important centers such as Tartu, Narva, Pärnu, and Rapla, among others. Most lines are not electrified, and diesel traction remains the primary mode for both freight and many passenger services, while modernization projects have sought to improve efficiency and reliability.

Infrastructure is owned by Eesti Raudtee, a state-owned company. Passenger services are provided by licensed operators, and freight transport is carried out by various operators, including state-affiliated and private entities. The sector is regulated by national authorities that oversee safety, scheduling, and interoperability with broader European rail networks.

Rolling stock in Estonia includes a mix of electric and diesel trains for passenger use and locomotives for freight. Recent years have seen efforts to modernize rolling stock, upgrade signaling and stations, and enhance integration with regional and international rail links, aiming to improve service quality and travel times.

Future plans emphasize increased reliability, targeted electrification where feasible, and closer cooperation within Baltic and Nordic rail corridors to support international travel and freight.