Spending limits session makes historic decision to launch Rail Nordica planning project

The Government has proposed that EUR 20 million be allocated in the General Govern-ment Fiscal Plan for 2026–2029 for a planning project to extend the European track gauge from Sweden to Finland.

“Launching the project to plan the Nordic railway, Rail Nordica, is a historic decision. This is about more than just developing military mobility, which will improve Finland’s security of supply and plays a key role in total defence; this is a major project that will boost growth and employment. The Finnish Transport infrastructure Agency will launch the planning swiftly,” says Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

Rail Nordica is a long-term billion-euro project that will promote military mobility and security of supply. The project will also respond to NATO’s needs and improve the business environment in Finland and other Nordic countries.

The first phase involves planning a connection from the Haaparanta–Tornio border cross-ing point to Kemi. The planning project will start in 2025. According to a preliminary estimate, the costs of constructing the Rail Nordica line from northern Finland to Oulu will amount to more than EUR 1.5 billion.

The track gauge in Finland is 90 mm wider than the one used in the rest of Europe. Extending the European track gauge from Sweden to Finland would ensure efficient rail transport services between the Nordic countries and connect Finland even more closely to the West.

Commissioned by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency launched a study in 2024 on the transition to the European track gauge in Northern Finland. The main results of the study will be presented in June 2025.

The Trans-European Transport Network Regulation requires Member States to examine, plan and promote the European track gauge. This applies particularly to those EU countries where the current track gauge differs from the European track gauge. The Commission also stresses the importance of military mobility, and Finland aims to utilise the related EU funding both now and in the future.

Inquiries:

Requests to interview Minister Lulu Ranne:
Jussi Laatikainen, Special Adviser, jussi.laatikainen(at)gov.fi, tel. +358 29 534 2111

Tuomas Sorsa, Special Adviser, tuomas.sorsa(at)gov.fi, tel. +358 29 534 2012