HELSINKI: Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications and Norwegian transport authorities have identified a prospective railway route to the Arctic Ocean through Oulu and Rovaniemi in Finland, to Kirkenes in Norway. Authorities believe that the routing would improve logistical position, accessibility and supply security of Finland, and intend to explore it further.
The route was decided based on a study commissioned in July last year to evaluate five different routing alternatives.
Finland Transport and Communications Minister Anne Berner said: “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.”
It is estimated that the Rovaniemi-Kirkenes routing will cost around €2.8bn, with Finland set to invest €2bn, while the remaining would be funded by Norway.
The countries are planning to appoint a joint working group for the further study of this routing, including environmental aspects, costs, finance structure and model, and permit procedures by 31 December 2018.