Sweden: First passenger rail line to Finland

 

Although Sweden and Finland are neighboring countries, they have not been connected by passenger trains for nearly 30 years. 

 

Nowadays, the popularity of train travel has greatly increased, partly because of concerns about the environment. In view of this, Sweden and Finland are taking important steps to establish cross-border connections through passenger trains. 

On April 1, the station in the Swedish border town of Haparanda reopened for the first time in 29 years. At the same time, the Finnish authorities have decided to connect electricity to the 20-kilometer section between Laurila and the Swedish border. 

 

The rail electrification project received a 1.6 million euro grant from the European Union in July 2020. In addition, the railway bridge across the Tornio River must also be renewed and electrified. However, no decision regarding its financing has yet been made. 

Finland is eager to restore the connection of passenger trains because it believes this will open up new opportunities for the tourism industry and promote the economic development. In addition, the country hopes that tourists will even be able to take a train from Central Europe to Lapland one day.