Together, the three major cities of Helsinki, Turku and Tampere form a triangle of economic growth and expansion. The Finnish Transport Agency has studied the prospects of passenger train traffic on the Helsinki–Turku rail line, its economic impacts and the wider perspectives on the development of this large metropolitan area. The train connection between Helsinki and Turku is of strategic importance in the Finnish transport system, and a fast train service would benefit a large number of people.
Benefits of shorter and smoother travel
Further planning underway
In the 2017 State Budget, a ten-million-euro appropriation has been granted for the further planning of the high-speed rail link between Helsinki and Turku. It is estimated that the ongoing planning will continue until the end of 2020.
The project can be divided into four parts: the Espoo urban railway line, the Espoo–Salo direct rail line, the Salo–Turku double track, and the Turku railway yards. A railway plan has already been drawn up for the Espoo urban railway line, but this will only be advanced after any potential investment decisions are made. A general plan will be drawn up for the Espoo–Salo direct rail line and the Salo–Turku double track. A railway plan will be drawn up for the Turku railway yards.
Close cooperation with stakeholders
The planning phase is carried out in close cooperation with the municipalities, regional councils and other stakeholders. Most of the land use information is supplied by the municipalities and regional councils, of which representatives actively take part in the planning and project work.
The planning is carried out in compliance with the Railway Act. Citizens and stakeholders have the right and opportunity to give their opinion during the different stages of planning. The public will be notified of the plans and be invited to meetings where they will have opportunities to give feedback.
