Finnish transport agency rejects reopening of Pori–Parkano–Haapamäki railway, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers

A government agency’s decision to reject the reopening of the 194-kilometre Pori–Parkano–Haapamäki railway has sparked strong criticism from lawmakers representing Finland’s ruling coalition parties, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Three members of parliament—Mari Kaunistola (National Coalition Party), Jari Koskela (Finns Party), and Arto Satonen (National Coalition Party)—condemned the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency’s assessment, calling it inadequate and failing to address key concerns.

The agency concluded that reopening the line, largely closed since 1985, would be unprofitable due to low projected demand and high costs—estimated at €1–1.3 billion. Only short sections near Pori and between Parkano and Niinisalo remain operational.

Lawmakers argued the report overlooked strategic security and defence considerations, including supply resilience and potential military needs. They demanded a new, more comprehensive study before any final decision.

The agency’s analysis found freight traffic would likely continue using the existing Tampere–Pori route, while passenger demand would remain minimal. The project’s cost-benefit balance was assessed as at least €550 million in the red.

Local representatives and municipalities have lobbied for decades to restore the line, recently citing supply security as a key argument. State railway operator VR has shown little enthusiasm for the proposal.