Ownership

East Railway Ltd is owned by the Finnish state (holding a 51 % stake), represented by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, as well as 24 cities and municipalities across seven regions.

Joint ownership by the state and municipalities enables close cooperation between national and regional stakeholders. The company operates with clear targets, a solution-oriented approach, and aims to develop innovations that are technically, economically and environmentally sustainable.

Besides the Finnish state East Railway Ltd is owned by 24 cities and municipalities.

Part of the European EU transport network

East Railway is part of the extended core network of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), with a target completion of 2040. As a TEN-T project, it contributes to strengthening EU cohesion, mobility and economic development.  

The project enables Finland’s future integration into the European rail system, including connections to Rail Baltica, and supports improved cross-border connectivity and resilience.

Investment and implementation

The estimated planning cost of the project is 79 million euros. while total implementation costs are estimated 2.6–3.2 billion euros, depending on the selected route option.

Sustainable and responsible transport

East Railway is designd to advance low-emission mobility and support EU climate goals.
Sustainability is integrated into planning from the outset, with a focus on:

• climate change mitigation and adaptation
• biodiversity protection
• resource efficiency and circular economy
• responsible supply chains and labour practices
• impacts on local communities and good governance

Through climate-smart planning, the project aims to reduce emissions during implementation in line with the Paris Agreement.