Finland’s Ministry of Transport decided that a railway routing to the Arctic Ocean via Oulu, Rovaniemi and Kirkenes is the one that will be examined further under the project. Under the project, five different options were examined, and an option for the use of High Capacity Transport vehicles. The Arctic rail line will be implemented together with Norway and it is estimated to have a length of 450 km.
The new line will improve Finland’s logistical position, accessibility and security of supply. Of the two leading alternatives, the routing via Kirkenes was also less expensive.
“The Arctic railway is an important European project that would create a closer link between the northern, Arctic Europe and continental Europe. The connection would improve the conditions for many industries in northern areas. A working group will now start to further examine the routing to Kirkenes,” Minister of Transport Anne Berner said.
The costs, which vary significantly, depending on the length as well as the requirements of the terrain, are estimated between EUR 700 million and 7.4 billion.
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