President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda visited the Rūdninkai military town, where the construction of one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects – the Rūdninkai training ground, carried out by EIKA Construction, is underway. The head of state said that the work is progressing faster than planned, which is important because the facility is of strategic importance to Lithuania and NATO partners.
“I want to be happy with how the walls of the Rūdninkai training ground are going up. In fact, the first thing to note is that the work is going according to plan, one could say, even a few months ahead of schedule,” said President Gitanas Nausėda.
The largest military infrastructure project in the history of independent Lithuania
The Rūdninkų polygon is the largest military infrastructure facility in the country, recognized as a project of special importance. It will house the entire infrastructure of a military town: barracks, shooting ranges, headquarters, medical stations, a canteen, and sports fields.
EIKA Construction, which is implementing the project, acts as the general contractor – this means that the company is responsible for the entire process: from design to construction management, quality control and work safety.
Projects of this type require an extremely high level of coordination – civil engineering, military logistics, technology, and security standards come together here.
“Our goal is to ensure that all work is carried out with high quality, safety and on time. Every team member understands that this is not an ordinary object – we are creating infrastructure on which the security of the country and its allies will depend,” says Almantas Čebanauskas, director of EIKA Construction.
President: Construction is progressing faster than planned
The President noted that all major infrastructure projects must be completed by the end of 2027, and the remaining structures will be completed by mid-2028.
“It must be acknowledged that construction companies are truly making maximum efforts, understanding the importance of this project,” said G. Nausėda.
During the visit, the President visited a machine gun shooting range, which, he said, is almost complete.
“A tank firing range will be located nearby, and at the same time, this training ground will be unique in that it will be possible to conduct shooting and maneuvering exercises at the same time, without interfering with each other,” the President noted.
Progress driven by experience and innovation
EIKA Construction is implementing the works at the Rūdninkų polygon based on more than 20 years of experience in implementing large-scale projects. The strength of the company is a team of competent professionals, consisting of more than 130 architects, engineers, project managers and other specialists.
What allows us to ensure such a pace:
- BIM modeling allows you to anticipate risks, plan work, and coordinate actions in different parts of the project.
- The Dalux Field system is a digital platform designed to monitor work progress in real time, record discrepancies, and ensure work safety.
- Strict ISO standards – the company complies with ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 requirements, which ensure quality, sustainability and a safe working environment.
- General contracting model – allows you to fully manage the project progress from design to final handover, ensuring responsibility and efficiency.
“This project is an excellent example of how our country’s companies can implement complex, strategic projects at the international level. This demonstrates the maturity of the Lithuanian construction sector and the professionalism of our team,” emphasizes A. Čebanauskas.
Strategic role – safer Lithuania and the region
Once all stages are completed, the Rūdninkai training ground will be able to house up to 1,400 soldiers and train up to 4,000 soldiers and 750 civilian specialists. A German brigade will be stationed here, and the infrastructure will also be adapted for exercises between Lithuania and NATO allies.
“A big step forward has indeed been made. Our commitments to our allies are being fulfilled, and we are ready to receive the German brigade on time,” said G. Nausėda.
According to the Ministry of National Defence (MND), the main facilities – headquarters, barracks, technical facilities, medical post, canteen – will be completed by the end of 2027. The sports infrastructure, helipads and manoeuvring routes are planned to be completed by mid-2028.
“Such assessments motivate us to further strengthen processes, implement innovations, and maintain the pace. The Rūdninkai military town is not just a project, but our team’s contribution to the future and security of Lithuania,” says A. Čebanauskas.
About the project:
- Project value (Phase I): EUR 125 million
- General contractor: EIKA Construction
- Project area: 170 sq. km (17,000 ha)
- Up to 1,400 soldiers will live, 4,000 soldiers will train, and 750 civilians will work
- Main facilities: barracks, shooting ranges, medical post, technical maintenance center, headquarters, canteen, sports infrastructure, helipads.
- Completion dates: end of 2027 – mid-2028