New rail connection between Sweden and Finland: Start in late 2025!

New rail connection between Sweden and Finland: Start in late 2025!

Haparanda, Schweden - A new direct train connection between Finland and Sweden could become a reality by the end of 2025. The route, which includes about 20 kilometers between Laurila in Finland and Haparanda in Sweden, has already been electrified, but has not yet been ready for passenger traffic. Transport Minister Lulu Ranne has announced that the feasibility study is in the last trains. The aim of this initiative is to establish a consistent rail connection from Helsinki to Stockholm and beyond to Europe. As the Remszeitung , the financing of the project is still unclear and is still missing from one final agreement on the financing of passenger traffic.

For the implementation of the train connection, the Finnish State Railway VR and the private company Suomen Lähijunat as possible operators are under discussion. The reality that the ticket-based traffic in Finland is hardly economically viable makes public financing urgently required. The start of operation is expected optimistically for the end of 2025, which appears more realistic in the face of political decisions to finance.

technical challenges and progress

One of the challenges that had to be mastered was the different track width between Finland (1524 mm) and Sweden (1435 mm). However, this technical obstacle can now be overcome by using a change track in Tornio. The electrification of the railway line from Laurila via Tornio to Haparanda was successfully completed, as well as "https://www.nordicmarketing.de/blog/neue-bahnbinde-finland-und-schweden-ab-2025-moglich"> Nordic Marketing . The recently carried out modernization measures include securing level crossings, the widening of bridges and the construction of new platforms in Tornio and Haparanda.

The investments amount to around 37 million euros, the majority of Finland is borne, while Sweden contributes around seven million euros. These progress show the will of both countries to closer networking of their rail networks.

strategic importance and connections

The new train connection is not only tourist, but also strategic importance. In discussions between Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, she was discussed as part of a discussion about Nordic defense and emergency traffic. The expansion of the connection of Helsinki to the European rail network also pays great attention in the current time.

Currently there are night train connections to Stockholm and travel options from Haparanda to the ground that enable further connections to southern Sweden or Norway. The Swedish rail network, which is one of the most extensive in Scandinavia, are currently available to daily high -speed train connections to the big cities such as Stockholm, Gothenborg and Malmö, as can be seen on Scandic Trains . These new developments can help to significantly increase the attractiveness of international railways.