Finland advances planning for second cross-border rail link to Sweden and Norway

The Finnish government has decided to move forward with planning for a second cross-border rail connection in Lapland, potentially linking Kolari to Sweden’s Kiruna and Norway’s Narvik, state broadcaster Yle reports.

In its budget framework session, the government confirmed it would continue planning for the existing European rail link in Lapland while launching preparations for a new route. The first project involves a railway from Tornio to Sweden, while the second—still unspecified but likely starting in Kolari—would connect to Kiruna and ultimately Narvik’s ice-free port.

A rail link to Narvik would secure Finland’s import routes if Baltic Sea ports become inaccessible. The proposed Svappavaara–Kolari railway would require cooperation between Finland, Sweden, and Norway, forming a major infrastructure project.

Finland already has an electrified rail connection to Sweden, though funding for passenger services remains pending. Further details on the new initiative are expected as planning progresses.