Riga: The Metro

Riga's proposed Metro system

You may not be aware Gentle Reader, that while Latvia was still under the control of the Soviet Union, plans were made for the building of an underground metro system in Riga.

Plans were made incorporating 3 separate lines with a total of 33 metro stations. It was hoped that by 2021, Riga would have its very own mass transport system, but it never happened.

The reasons why it never happened are varied.

History

The idea of Riga having its own metro was first planned during the 1970's when city planners were asked toimprove the cities transport links.

Other ideas included high speed tram lines and development of the overground rail network, but it was the Metro that had the most support. This was because at that time the population of Riga was quickly expanding and if, as predicted, it passed 1 million people, it would meet the Soviet Union's own test of whether a metro was warranted.

Axonometrical plan of placing of Uzvaras station, 1981

The Metrogiprotans institute was given the responsibility to design the systems layout, work out the cost and develop the details of design. They were given three years to come up with the technological and economic side of the project. Three more were dedicated to come up with the station design and other planning. The first 8 stations and the first line would take another 9 years meaning the metro would open in the early 1990s.

A series of delays due to financial problems, geological meant the earliest in could of opened was 1997.

Local art-deco architects were approached to plan stations and in 1986 the number of lines was upped to 3. Things were looking good as the initial phase was finally completed and an opening in 2000 looked like a real possibility.

In the late 1980's the project started to receive strong criticism, this combined with the fall of the Soviet Union, meant that the project was shelved without a single bit of physical work done.
When planning started there were to be 2 lines.
1. Zolitude to Purvciems
2. Milgravis to Ziepniekkalns
This was changed to
1. Imanta to Jugla
2. Plavnieki to Centrs
3. Mezaparks to Ziepniekkalns

#riga #rigametro