The construction of the Tallinn-Helsinki tunnel with private funding is completely possible as long as it deals with the Finnish transport system as a whole, according Finnish Minister of Transport and Communication Anne Berner. “We are open and have a positive attitude towards private funding. It is important to us that the Finnish cargo and passenger carriage is considered nationally, that the system is comprehensive,” Anne Berner said.
According to initial estimates the tunnel would cost approximately EUR 9 to EUR 13 billion, the project needing thus more funding than the state budgets or the European Union could offer, the minister explained. Implementing the project is however important for improving Finland’s logistical position. “If we had a railway connection with Europe across the Baltic Sea, Finland would no longer be an island or an independent place. This is important both for competition and cargo and passenger traffic,” she said.
The project includes the construction of a 90-km rail tunnel that will reduce the travel time to less than 30 minutes and will contribute to the optimisation of freight logistics in Tallinn-Helsinki region.
If the project receives a public financing of 40% of total costs, then it is economically motivated. After the launch of the project, financial negotiations and project planning, construction works could be initiated in 2025 and operations could start in 2030.
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