Finnish cities band together for massive railway projects

The plans for these projects were approved by the Finnish government earlier this year but work is now set to finally begin

Earlier this year, on 25 June, 2020, the Finnish Government decided to authorize the Ministry of Transport and Communications to establish new joint-stock companies partly owned by the state: the Finnish Railways project company and the Turku Hour Train project company. These two companies are supposed to work on improving railway and connectivity links between cities in Finland and to thereby provide viable mobility alternatives and options to citizens.

Cities working together for a common cause

The final documents have now been signed for the establishment of the two companies - the Finnish Railways project company and the Turku Hour Train project company. The former’s main task is to promote the planning of the rail link between Helsinki and Tampere through Helsinki-Vantaa Airport until it is ready for construction.

In addition to the state, Finavia, Helsinki, Tampere, Vantaa, Hämeenlinna, Janakkala, Riihimäki, Lahti, Akaa, Jyväskylä, Oulu, Pori, Seinäjoki, Vaasa, Kangasala, Nokia, Orivesi, Pirkkala, Ylöjärvi, Parkano and Kokkola are also parts of the project.

Meanwhile, the Turku Hour Train project involves Turku, Espoo, Helsinki, Salo, Lohja, Vihti and Kirkkonummi and its main task is to promote the design of the Espoo-Salo straight line and the Salo-Turku line until its construction is finalized.

“The establishment of companies is an important step in our efforts to promote two major rail projects and receive full EU support. In addition to the state, the project companies involve a total of 26 cities and municipalities, as well as Finavia. This proves that we are strongly committed to the development of the whole of Finland. Investing in rail transport is essential as we move towards sustainable mobility” stated Finland’s Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka.

With the companies’ establishment, local governments across Finland have already expressed their hopes that work will move fast and that the new railway connections will be put into operation as soon as possible.