Vilnius has officially launched the second phase of its civil defense infrastructure expansion, prioritizing the safety of its youngest citizens. The municipal plan involves upgrading 60 designated shelters across the city, with a heavy focus on educational and social service facilities. By the time the project concludes in late 2027, these improvements will provide secure, modern protection for over 20,600 residents.
This initiative is part of a broader Vilnius Defense Policy Plan, which has already identified more than 2,000 potential shelter locations across the capital. However, identifying space is only the first step; the current phase focuses on ensuring these spaces meet modern safety and accessibility standards. Mayor Valdas Benkunskas emphasized that while the city encourages individual preparedness, the local government is taking consistent steps to fortify public gathering points.
A Data-Led Approach to Public Safety
The scale of this second phase is significant, covering over 30,000 square meters of floor space. Unlike generic basement spaces, these 60 sites will undergo technical transformations to ensure they are functional during emergencies. Of the 60 sites selected, 50 are public buildings, reflecting a clear strategy to protect vulnerable populations and community hubs.
| Shelter Category | Number of Facilities |
|---|---|
| Kindergartens and Nursery-Schools | 31 |
| Schools (Pro-gymnasiums and Gymnasiums) | 12 |
| Social Service Facilities | 2 |
| Vocational Training Center | 1 |
| Polyclinic / Healthcare Center | 1 |
| Elderate (Local Administrative Office) | 1 |
| Cultural Center | 1 |
| Municipal Premises | 1 |
| Private Associations / Administered Objects | 10 |
Technical Standards and Inclusivity
A critical aspect of this upgrade is the focus on technical resilience and accessibility. All 60 shelters will be equipped with backup power supplies and updated project documentation. For many of the selected sites, the upgrades go much further to address existing infrastructure gaps.
According to the Vilnius Development Company, which is managing 50 of the installations, the goal is to make these features a natural part of modern urban architecture. Key technical improvements include:
* Ventilation Systems: To be installed in the majority of the shelters to ensure air quality during prolonged use.
* Window Protection: Specialized shielding to prevent glass-related injuries.
* Fire Safety: Nearly half of the sites will receive new fire detection and signaling systems.
* Evacuation: One-third of the shelters will have additional emergency exits constructed.
* Accessibility: In a major move for inclusivity, 55 out of the 60 shelters will be fully adapted for people with mobility disabilities.
Funding and Timeline
The total investment for this phase is €2,399,222. While the Vilnius municipality is contributing approximately 20% (€463,785) of the cost, the bulk of the funding is provided by the national Defense Fund. This financial structure highlights the project’s status as a matter of national security rather than just local maintenance.
The project is moving forward in distinct stages to ensure continuous progress. While Phase 2 is just beginning, Phase 1 is already nearing completion, with 14 shelters expected to be ready by June 2024 and another 18 by November 2024. For the current Phase 2 projects, public procurement for construction works is scheduled to begin in November 2024, with a final completion deadline set for November 2027.
Residents can currently locate the nearest marked shelters to their homes or workplaces using the city’s interactive civil defense map, which now includes approximately 2,000 marked locations across the capital.
Original reporting by: vilnius
Source: Vilniaus miesto savivaldybė
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