A time capsule has been ceremonially placed at the Kalvarija Border Station of the Varėna Border Unit of the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) – by the end of the next year, new special-purpose buildings, a helicopter landing pad with a secured perimeter, and other critical infrastructure will be constructed to support the work of border guards. The project will also create more convenient conditions for travelers and vehicle drivers crossing the state border.
“Together with our Polish colleagues, and thanks to funding from the Interreg VI-A Lithuania-Poland programme, today we’ve taken an important symbolic step marking the beginning of actual work on the construction of the border station complex and its surrounding infrastructure. In response to increasing geopolitical threats, we are strengthening the resources and infrastructure necessary for effective border protection, crime prevention, and swift incident response,” said Colonel Žydrūnas Karčiauskas, Project Manager, Head of the Asset Management Board at the SBGS.
General Sławomir Klekotka, Commander of the Podlaskie Unit of Poland Border Guard, emphasized that the project will ensure more effective border protection along the Lithuanian–Polish border, joint patrols, and training exercises, as well as improved working conditions for border officers.
Upon completion, the following will be built at the Kalvarija Border Station (Lithuania):
- a new special-purpose building up to 800 m² in size
- a helicopter landing pad with a secure zone
- a 50-space impounded vehicle parking area
- an outdoor training area and multifunctional sports field
- supporting and other essential infrastructure
In Rutka-Tartak (Poland), the project includes:
- renovation of the old station building and detainee facilities
- modernization of the official vehicle fleet
- acquisition of drones for effective illegal migration control and rapid crime detection
Construction work in Lithuania will be carried out by UAB Statybos ritmas.
The project “Joint Actions of Lithuanian and Polish Border Guard Services to Contribute to a Safer and More Secure Europe” (“Border Guards”) launched on December 1, 2024. It is implemented by the State Border Guard Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania and the Podlaski Border Guard Regional Unit of Maj. Gen. Henryk Minkiewicz and is funded under the INTERREG VI-A Lithuania – Poland programme.
Project duration: 36 months
Budget: €5.8 million (co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund)
