New coastal railway could transform western Finland’s transport links with €2–2.5bn price tag

A proposed 340-kilometre railway connecting western Finland’s coastal cities could cost between €2.05 and €2.55 billion, according to a feasibility study published by the Regional Council of Ostrobothnia in collaboration with the councils of Satakunta and Southwest Finland.

The Aaltorata (Wave Rail) project would create the first direct rail link between key cities from Uusikaupunki through Rauma, Pori, and Vaasa to either Kokkola or Pietarsaari. Currently, transport along the coast relies almost entirely on Highway 8, with no north-south rail connection.

Travel times cut significantly
The new line would reduce journey times between major centres. Travel from Turku to Rauma would take one hour, Rauma to Pori 30 minutes, and Pori to Vaasa 1.5 hours, with Turku–Vaasa trips taking just over three hours.

Security and industry drive the project
While earlier plans in the 1990s focused only on the Uusikaupunki–Rauma–Pori section, discussions have intensified since 2020 due to changed security conditions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A route far from the Russian border would improve supply security.

The study also highlights benefits for industry, particularly battery and hydrogen sectors. Projects like Vaasa’s GigaVaasa hub, a planned methanol plant in Kristinestad, and a potential aluminium smelter in Kruunuportti could gain from the link.

Low passenger demand, weak profitability
Forecasts suggest modest passenger numbers—around 0.5–0.7 million annually by 2050, comparable to the Imatra–Joensuu route. The highest demand would be between Turku and Rauma.

No cost-benefit analysis was conducted, but the study notes that non-economic factors would dominate any justification for the project. Freight potential lies in forestry, fertilisers, and new industrial investments, with an estimated 0.5–2.3 million tonnes shifting from road and existing rail annually.

Environmental and technical challenges
Route planning must account for protected Natura 2000 areas, cultural heritage sites, and bird habitats. Soft ground conditions, especially between Rauma and Vaasa, would require costly foundation work.

Phased construction likely
The southern section (Uusikaupunki–Rauma–Pori) is seen as the most viable first phase, given higher demand for both passenger and freight services. The line would be single-track with passing loops every 20 kilometres, designed for speeds of 200 km/h south of Pori and 250 km/h northward, enabling high-speed operation.

Annual maintenance costs are estimated at €12 million. Further pre-planning studies are needed before statutory processes begin. The Ostrobothnia regional plan already includes the route as a future transport need, with the goal of enabling political debate at national and regional levels.

The project aligns with a broader vision of a standard-gauge rail link from Helsinki to the coast.