BIM for Rail Bootcamp 2026 Brings Global Rail Digitalization Experts to Riga

Riga Technical University (RTU) and Rail Baltica, one of the largest rail infra projects in Europe, in collaboration with Haskoning, an international consulting engineering company, will organize the BIM for Rail Bootcamp 2026 in Riga on June 17–18, marking another milestone in advancing digital transformation across the rail infrastructure sector.

The annual event, organized by Haskoning with program partners ProRail from the Netherlands and the Danish Banedanmark, and hosted this year by RTU and co-hosted by Rail Baltica, will bring together 110 representatives from across the railway infrastructure supply chain, demonstrating the breadth and diversity of the rapidly evolving rail ecosystem. The BIM (Building Information Modeling) for Rail Bootcamp promotes digital collaboration between academia and industry, bringing together universities, infrastructure owners and operators, engineering companies, contractors, and technology experts. By connecting research with practical project delivery, the initiative helps develop future talent, encourage innovation, and support the adoption of digital best practices across the rail sector.  

Why Riga: Rail Baltica as a European Showcase

The decision to host this year’s Bootcamp in Riga reflects the strategic importance of the Rail Baltica project as one of Europe’s largest high-speed rail infrastructure projects currently under design and construction. Rail Baltica relies on digital delivery methodologies to support consistency, efficiency, and transparency across national borders and multiple delivery partners. Haskoning developed the BIM digital methodology in this European context.

By 2030, Rail Baltica will connect the Baltic states to the broader European rail network. This high-speed line will bring Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into direct alignment with Western Europe. The project has taken on even greater strategic relevance in the region, particularly for improving the resilience of the Baltic region and Western Europe.

“Riga Technical University’s Institute of Civil Engineering sees BIM for Rail Bootcamp 2026 as an important platform for strengthening collaboration between academia, infrastructure developers, and digital technology experts. The event highlights the growing role of BIM and digitalization in shaping sustainable and future-ready railway infrastructure across Europe. We are proud that Riga and the Rail Baltica project will host international industry leaders to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and advance innovation in rail infrastructure delivery and asset management,” said Peteris Drukis, Head, Institute of Civil Engineering RTU.

Dutch Know-How in the Baltics

Rail Baltica is being developed in line with international standards and state-of-the-art technologies, positioning it as a benchmark project for modern railway delivery. Central to this approach is the integration of BIM, which plays a crucial role in enabling efficient design, coordination, and lifecycle management of infrastructural assets.

As such, the project serves as a living showcase for infrastructure managers and industry stakeholders across Europe and beyond, illustrating how digital methodologies can support large-scale, cross-border rail development.

Rail Bootcamp in Riga

“The future of railway infrastructure depends not only on physical connectivity, but also on digital connectivity. Projects such as Rail Baltica demonstrate how digital engineering, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration across organizations can support the delivery of more efficient, resilient, and sustainable transport networks. Events like the BIM for Rail Bootcamp play an important role in bringing together expertise from across Europe and advancing common approaches to digital railway development,” stated Emilien Dang, Chief Technical Officer and Member of the Management Board, Rail Baltica Rail AS.

The primary objective of the Bootcamp is to foster collaboration, share best practices, and accelerate the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital solutions within the rail sector. By connecting stakeholders across disciplines and geographies, the event provides a unique platform to address shared challenges and jointly explore innovative solutions. 

“At our company, we are proud to drive innovation across Europe, delivering impactful solutions and modeling tools like BIM for the railway and aviation sectors on a major scale,” commented Peter Boom, Director Rail Asset Management & Digitalization, Haskoning.

The 2026 edition is a dynamic program combining plenary presentations with 32 interactive workshops, delivered by a wide range of organizations from across the industry. These sessions enabled participants to exchange practical insights, showcase real-world applications, and collaboratively develop new approaches to digital project delivery and subsequent asset management.

The event will conclude with technical visits to the Rail Baltica Riga Central Station and RIX Riga Airport sites, giving participants first-hand insight into construction progress and the practical application of digital tools in the delivery of one of Europe’s largest railway infrastructure projects.

“Today, we are no longer speaking only about tracks, stations, or infrastructure. We are speaking about a digital, interconnected European mobility ecosystem, where BIM and advanced technologies become the common language connecting engineers, academia, and industry. Rail Baltica is not merely a transport project—it is a benchmark for the future of engineering in the Baltics and across Europe. Therefore, Riga Technical University is truly honored to host the BIM for Rail Bootcamp 2026 in Riga and, together with our international partners, create an environment where the next generation of infrastructure solutions is being shaped,” said Prof Līga Gaile, Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, RTU.

Driving Collaboration and Innovation in Rail Infrastructure

Over the years, the BIM for Rail Bootcamp has developed into a leading annual gathering for professionals committed to advancing digitalization in rail infrastructure. The 2026 edition in Riga reinforced its role as a catalyst for knowledge sharing, innovation, and international cooperation.

By bringing the Bootcamp to the Baltic region, organizers highlight not only the progress of Rail Baltica but also the growing importance of collaboration across Europe’s rail networks in delivering sustainable and future-ready mobility solutions.

For more information: www.railbaltica.org