West Rail project receives backing from National Coalition Party amid mixed community reactions in Finland

The evaluation of the West Rail project has sparked no doubts about its viability, according to Matias Marttinen, the chair of the National Coalition Party’s parliamentary group. “I believe we will proceed according to what has been agreed upon in government negotiations,” stated Marttinen, a lawmaker from Rauma.

According to Marttinen, the state is committed to investing approximately €450 million in the project, with municipalities along the railway route also contributing to its funding. The reception of the project has been mixed among local communities. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (National Coalition) has specified that during the current government term, only the two ends of the West Rail will be constructed, while the express rail line from Salo to Lohja will be a matter for future administrations.

Municipalities contributing to the project have expressed disappointment that it did not receive EU funding. However, Marttinen noted that applying for EU funds is still a possibility for the project.

Marttinen emphasized that the project is a collective effort of the entire government, asserting, “It is important to remember that this is a project agreed upon by the entire cabinet. As the head of the largest party, I will push this forward and defend all decisions made by the government.”

In July, Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne (True Finns) expressed critical views on the project, acknowledging to Ilta-Sanomat that the lack of funding was not unexpected and that the project’s returns do not appear promising. On August 6, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo defended the West Rail project in an interview with Yle.