Helsinki – Tallinn tunnel project could have the rail connection with Europe via Rail Baltica. “The study says the best solution would be a railway tunnel to connect existing transport networks in both countries. The most important aspect is seen in the shortest possible travel time – to ensure maximal profitability. Also, a prerequisite for the project to be realised is fast railway connection with Europe via Rail Baltica,” said Harju County Government development and planning department adviser Kaarel Kose.
The twin city vision says tunnel would provide basis for economic growth in Estonia, Finland and the entire Baltics. The project would bring a remarkably positive effect to competitiveness of the whole region, making it more attractive for possible investors.
As shown by socio-economic research, the tunnel, once completed, will be able to cover all maintenance and operation costs, as well as partially the investments made to build it. Construction costs would require 40–50% Estonian and Finnish state funding and EU support. A possible executing and financing model might be based on a joint Finnish-Estonian company.
On February 15th, in Helsinki, results of preliminary cost-benefit analysis for tunnel connecting Finnish and Estonian capitals were published. According to preliminary studies, the project would cost EUR 9-13 billion.
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