Sweco has been selected to support the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, Väylävirasto, in planning Rail Nordica, a strategic rail project that will connect Finland’s rail network to the infrastructure of northern and western Europe via Sweden. The contract will run from 2026 to 2030 and is worth approximately EUR 9 million for Sweco.
Rail Nordica is a planned railway line with European standard gauge, which will link northern Finland to the European rail network. The project is of strategic importance for cross-border logistics, security of supply, and military mobility, in a context where European countries are placing increasing emphasis on resilient and interoperable transport infrastructure.
Finland currently uses a gauge different from the European standard (1524 mm), which gives the project an additional objective: a more direct connection to the railway network in Sweden and, through it, to the railway infrastructure in the rest of Europe.
New line between Haparanda-Tornio and Kemi
The project involves a planned rail connection between the border area of Haparanda-Tornio and Kemi in northern Finland. The initial development phase will run through 2027, with the design phase for implementation continuing through 2030.
The new line, built to European standard gauge, will be designed to run parallel to the existing Finnish railway line, which uses a different gauge. Sweco will be responsible, as part of a consortium, for the necessary studies, geotechnical investigations, general planning, and environmental impact assessment procedures.
“Rail Nordica strengthens Finland’s connections to northern and western Europe and supports efficient cross-border transport. Sweco has extensive experience in delivering critical, multinational, and complex transportation infrastructure projects in Europe. “We are proud to contribute our expertise to a project that improves security of supply and contributes to long-term, sustainable growth in the Nordic region,” said Thomas Hietto, Business Area President, Sweco Finland.
EUR 20 million for project planning
For the planning of Rail Nordica, the Finnish state budget has allocated EUR 20 million. Of this total, EUR 18 million are earmarked for the current procurement, in which Sweco’s contract value is EUR 9 million.
Väylävirasto, the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, is responsible for the development, maintenance, and long-term planning of Finland’s state transport network, including roads, railways, and waterways. The agency plays a central role in ensuring Finland’s logistics, sustainable mobility, and international connectivity.
A Project of Strategic Importance for Northern Europe
Rail Nordica is part of a broader effort to strengthen rail connections in Northern Europe. Through the link with Sweden, the project would facilitate cross-border transport and reduce barriers caused by differences in track gauge.
The strategic dimension is also important from a security perspective. Interoperable rail infrastructure is increasingly relevant for freight transport, supply chains, and military mobility, particularly in border regions and in corridors that can link the Nordic countries to the rest of Europe.
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