High-speed trains need a straight and level track
The requirements of both high-speed trains and freight transport are being taken into account in the planning of the East Railway. According to a recent study on high-speed rail rolling stock, the East Railway can serve both types of transport if the track is designed to be as straight and level as possible. The results of the study emphasise the importance of careful planning of the track.
“High-speed trains demand a little more from the railway track than the existing trains in Finland. We have the Pendolino trains in use, but the sharper the curve, the more uncomfortable it is for passengers on a high-speed line. The track should be flat, and the curves should be gentler than in the current network. It is also a question of travel comfort that the curves are gentle”, says Minna Weurlander, East Railway Director of Planning.
The goal of the study on high-speed rail rolling stock was to examine the requirements of high-speed rail rolling stock in Finnish conditions and its impacts on infrastructure, including technical options and their economic impacts. High-speed trains are defined as trains running at more than 250 km/h, and the East Railway is being planned for a speed of 300 km/h.
The study identified not only the requirements for rail geometry but also the winter conditions in Finland, the impact of speed on noise and vibration, the air resistance increase on parallel tracks and the movement of animals in the area of the track. High-speed trains set requirements for tracks, structures, rolling stock, capacity and the environment. These are being taken into account in the planning, and further studies will be carried out to produce more detailed information.
“We need to understand the mechanisms that affect the movement of high-speed trains under different conditions. Snow as such is not only a Finnish feature, as it also exists in other parts of the world, but this must also be considered in the structure of the track as the speed increases. The study provides more support for our planning. We achieved what we sought,” says Weurlander.
EU track gauge would bring competition to the rolling stock market
For historical reasons, the track gauge of Finnish rail traffic is almost the same as in Russia. While the standard gauge in Europe is 1435 mm, the most common track gauge in Finland is 1524 mm. European rolling stock is therefore not currently suitable for the track gauge in Finland.
As the track gauge poses a challenge, the clear specification of the objectives set for the high-speed line is crucial. The decision will guide the selection of technical solutions and rolling stock as well as the development of an optimal model of operation. If the EU track gauge were used, a larger rolling stock market would open up for competition, bringing savings on rolling stock purchases.
A study on the East Railway track gauge is also under way, examining the implementation of the East Railway using the European track gauge. The questions being examined include the impacts of the track gauge on infrastructure, electrical systems, costs, the transport network and the environmental impact assessment process.
The Finnish track gauge’s most strategically important railway network has a major impact on the potential expansion of the single European railway area. A major step forward was taken when the East Railway was accepted into the extended Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). As a result, Itärata Oy can apply for significant EU funding for the planning of the railway project.
Study on high-speed rail rolling stock, report 2024
The study on high-speed rail rolling stock is Florencia Bigatti’s Master’s thesis at Aalto University, and it is the first one on the topic in Finland. WSP Finland Oy was responsible for supervising the thesis. The track gauge study is being conducted by Proxion Plan Oy and will be completed in early September.
Florencia is continuing her railway career in Finland
Florencia Bigatti, 29, came to Finland from Uruguay due to her interest in rail transport. After completing her Master’s thesis, she decided to stay in Finland and continue in the field.
Florencia grew up in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering. For her Master’s studies, she chose a double degree, the first part of which she completed in Barcelona. Florencia came to Finland to learn more about infrastructure and fast railway technology, for which Finland is known among experts in the field.
“In fact, it’s not even possible to complete similar studies in Uruguay, where there is no extensive railway network. I wanted to come and learn from the best”, says Florencia.
“Finland is a great example”
Finns are always interested in what interests foreigners in Finland.
“My experiences of education are amazing. I have received a great deal of support, got to know railway experts and obtained a broad perspective on the sector and its stakeholders. It is very rewarding to learn so much and to build a network in the field. I’m grateful.”
“Finland is a great example of how well-planned public transport is made accessible to a large population. In Finland, social and economic fairness are an integral part of life. The dense and high-quality public transport in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area has opened up a number of opportunities for me. It is particularly impressive that even small cities have train stations.”
Added value for the Finnish railway sector
Florencia is planning a career in the railway sector in Finland. She wants to learn more and produce added value for the sector. At the same time, she is seeking to establish contacts between Finland and South American countries, especially Uruguay. “I believe that the Finnish railway system could serve as a valuable example.”
Florencia is now planning a career in the railway sector and says that she is eager to continue along this path.
While writing her Master’s thesis, Florencia has smoothly slipped into the Finnish way of life.
“I have found both international and local friends and have been able to visit various parts of Finland such as Joensuu, Rovaniemi, Turku, Porvoo and Tampere. I have also adopted Finnish traditions and greatly enjoyed cottages, sauna and even ice swimming.”
“In Finland, I most appreciate the strong social equality and the communality. The way these are reflected in everyday life is truly unique. I believe that, when there’s a balance between the interests of the individual and society, that plays a key role in a country’s development.”
More information
East Railway now eligible for EU funding (in Finnish)
European track gauge for the East Railway? (in Finnish)
For railway infrastructure, 2050 is tomorrow (in Finnish)