The three major cities of Helsinki, Turku and Tampere form a triangle of economic growth and expansion. The Finnish Transport Agency has studied the prospects of passenger train traffic on the Helsinki–Turku rail line, its economic impacts and the wider perspectives on the development of this large metropolitan area. The train connection between Helsinki and Turku is of strategic importance in the Finnish transport system, and a fast train service would benefit a large number of people.

In the 2017 State Budget, a ten-million-euro appropriation has been granted for the further planning of the high-speed rail link between Helsinki and Turku. It is estimated that the on-going planning will continue until the end of 2020.

The project can be divided into four parts: the Espoo urban railway line, the Espoo–Salo direct rail line, the Salo–Turku double track, and the Turku railway yards. A railway plan has already been drawn up for the Espoo urban railway line, but this will only be advanced after any potential investment decisions are made. A general plan will be drawn up for the Espoo–Salo direct rail line and the Salo–Turku double track. A railway plan will be drawn up for the Turku railway yards. Click fi/27 for tunnelbuilder archive. Visit https://www.liikennevirasto.fi. 03/18.