Sweden and Finland to Launch Passenger Train Connection
Sweden and Finland have decided to establish a train connection for passengers after the train travel between the two Scandinavian countries were not functional for almost 30 years.
The authorities informed that the Swedish border station in Haparanda reopened to passengers wishing to travel by train on April 1, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.
For almost three decades, Sweden and Finland have not had passenger train connections even though they are neighboring countries. However, the popularity of train travel has grown significantly due to environmental matters, which has pushed the authorities to consider putting back into use this form of travel.
Consequently, both countries decided to make essential moves in establishing cross-border connections through passenger trains after taking into account the current situation.
Additionally, the Finnish authorities have decided to electrify a stretch track of 20 kilometers between Laurila, a bordering village in north-western Finland, and the border of Sweden. The scheme for electrifying this track was funded by the European Union in July 2020, with Finland receiving a total of €1.6 million aid.
Moreover, the authorities also plan to renew and electrify the railway bridge across the Tornio River. However, the decision about its establishment and financing has not been approved yet.
“So far, they have mainly arrived by plane, but now this gives the opportunity that in the future, as train travel is becoming more and more popular, you could even travel up by train from Central Europe all the way to Lapland, both to the Swedish side and the Finnish side as well,” Executive Manager of the Finnish Lapland Tourist Board Nina Forsell said, commenting on the establishment of train connection.
Forsell further explained that most tourists who visit Lapland are more likely to enjoy nature through slow and scenic train rides over a flight.
Lapland is prepared to revitalize passenger train connection since it considers that new opportunities regarding the travel and tourism sector as well as Finland’s economy will bloom.
Earlier in March, Sweden was ranked at the top of Euromonitor International’s Sustainable Travel Index among 99 countries worldwide for the overall environmental and social sustainability engagement as well as for supporting an eco-friendly travel and tourism sector revival. Apart from Sweden, Finland was ranked second.
Due to the travel restrictions between Sweden and Finland, it has not been announced yet when the passenger train connection will become fully functional between the two countries.
Previously, Sweden has extended the restrictions against non-essential travel to countries that are not part of the European Union, European Economic Area, and the United Kingdom until at least May 31, 2021, due to the COVID-19 current situation.
Up to this date, Sweden has registered 841,807 Coronavirus cases and 13,578 deaths. Whereas Finland has registered 80,842 cases, 866 deaths, and 46,000 people have been fully recovered.
