The Haapsalu railway support group wrote to the government. They requested that during the new EU funding period, money could be obtained for the construction of the Rohuküla railway.
Leis told the parliament that major railway projects are already underway. The Rohuküla railway has not been in the state budget plans in recent years.
"Now is a good time to make plans for the next European funding. We can add the Rohuküla railway there. The project cost is about 200 million euros. Estonia won't do this with its own money. We need to ask for money from Europe," said Leis.
Leis said that Estonia already has many large projects. Funding the Haapsalu railway is difficult. The railway is old and uses Russian gauge (1520 mm). European gauge is 1435 mm.
"Our plan is to build new railways with European gauge. We repair old sections but don't build new ones. This also applies to the Rohuküla railway. But we can try to ask for money from Europe," said Leis.
Leis said that the Haapsalu railway is a regional project. It cannot be compared to the Rail Baltic railway.
MP Jaanus Karilaid (KE) said that the Turba–Riisipere railway is ready. The government used state money for it. He asked the minister whether he would prefer a loan or European money.
"Given the state budget situation, we cannot fund this ourselves," replied Leis. "Now is a good time to apply for European money. European funding will be twice as much for the next period as before."
"If we don't get European money, we'll have to consider doing it with Estonian money. But this is a regional project. It can't come from education or healthcare funds," added Leis.
The Haapsalu railway project is ready, but the government hasn't provided funding. Trains would run from Turba to Haapsalu at up to 160 km/h. Between Haapsalu and Rohuküla, the speed would be up to 120 km/h.
The Riigikogu Haapsalu railway support group was established in 2014. Currently, the group includes many different politicians.