Finnish transport agency finds Pori–Parkano–Haapamäki railway revival economically unviable

A feasibility study by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency concludes that reopening the disused Pori–Parkano–Haapamäki railway line would be highly unprofitable due to low demand and reconstruction costs of up to €1.3 billion, Yle reports.

The 194-kilometre line, largely closed since 1985, would require near-total rebuilding, as decades of disuse have left the track in poor condition. Though the right-of-way remains, the agency states that only short sections near Pori and between Parkano and Niinisalo are currently operational.

Freight and passenger traffic projections show minimal demand. Most cargo flows would continue using the existing Tampere–Pori route, which offers faster connections from eastern Finland. Passenger numbers would also remain low, making the €1–1.3 billion investment “extremely unprofitable” with a net loss of at least €550 million.

Environmental challenges add to the costs. Residential and commercial development near the line over the decades would require extensive noise mitigation, vibration control, and grade-separated crossings to replace at-grade intersections.

The study was commissioned by Parliament with dedicated funding. Local municipalities had previously sought to revive the cross-country line following Finland’s NATO accession, but the agency’s findings rule out further planning.