In 2014, “Water Strider” – the competition entry submitted by Estonian structural engineering consultancy Pluss OÜ, won the competition to design Rail Baltica’s international passenger terminal in Pärnu. The design by Indrek Allmann, Jaan Jagomägi, Gunnar Kurusk, Tanno Tammesson and Holden Vides was singled out by the jury for having an exciting exterior design and overall functionality that ensuresa comfortable travel experience regardless of weather conditions.

“The passenger terminal in Pärnu is one of Rail Balticaa’s two international terminals to be constructed in Estonia. The planned terminal building provides for all customary terminal operating needs such as waiting areas, ticket office and food court. Pärnu has yet to see such modern travel infrastructure, and this would be an opportune time to add local rail routes, not to mention integrating local and long-distance bus traffic as well. When Rail Baltica is completed, people will be able to travel to Tallinn in only 40 minutes and it will only take an hour to reach Riga,” said Riia Sillave, CEO of Rail BalticaEstonia.

According to Mrs Katrin Ventsel, representing Pluss OÜ, the geographical position of Pärnu in the Estonian space-time continuum is set to change dramatically after the launch of Rail Baltica. During the morning rush hour, people living in Pärnu will be able to reach Tallinn city centre faster than the city dwellers living in the nearby suburban areas of Tallinn itself. The structural engineering consultancy Pluss OÜ is delighted that its design “Water Strider” shall serve as Pärnu’sgateway to the world. 

The main building of Rail Baltica’s international passenger terminal in Pärnu will be located above the platform and connected by walkway galleries. The main building of the terminal will house a 90-seat waiting area, a cafeteria, information booths and other functional areas.

The estimated cost of the design and construction of Rail Baltica’s international passenger terminal in Pärnu currently stands at 20 million euros. The construction tender is expected to be launched in 2021, with the construction works planned to start in the spring of 2022.