Finnish rail transport is facing a major transition. A significant decision kicked off 2025, when the Finnish Parliament granted a EUR 10 million mandate to launch the implementation of the Digirail project and a EUR 1 million appropriation for 2025. At the same time, the Government committed itself to completing the entire 15-year project. This means that the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and Fintraffic Railway Ltd will jointly begin the renewal of safety equipment, train control systems and traffic-control and management systems covering the entire Finnish railway network.
The start of the implementation phase is not only a milestone for the Digirail project, but also a more wide-scale investment in Finland’s transport system. The current train control system is reaching the end of its life cycle, and maintaining it would be more expensive than building a new system. The estimated cost of the project is approximately EUR 1.2 billion for the period 2025–2040.
Digirail is not just a technical update; its impact extends throughout society. Digirail will ensure the continuity of safe rail traffic in Finland. Modernisation will also enable more efficient and environmentally friendly rail transport. Removing old trackside equipment and introducing new digital solutions will reduce susceptibility to disruption and improve system reliability. Cyber security will be strengthened by, among other things, transferring technical systems to centrally monitored data centers, which will simplify and streamline system management.
At the same time, the reform will improve the punctuality and efficiency of railway traffic. Automation and digitalisation will optimise traffic, reduce personnel costs and save energy. The goal is to achieve annual savings of millions of euros. Technical faults causing delays will be reduced, and passengers and businesses will be offered a more reliable and competitive transport system. The benefits of the Digirail project will largely be realised through a new train traffic management system, in which Fintraffic plans to invest EUR 200 million over the next 15 years.
The implementation phase also means that Finland will strengthen its position in European rail transport. The Digirail project complies with EU standards and will bring Finland’s rail network closer to Central Europe in terms of technology. This will strengthen Finland’s international connections and improve its logistical competitiveness. The solutions and expertise developed in Digirail offer significant export potential for the companies involved in the project.
Digirail is not just an investment in infrastructure, but a strategic choice for safe, efficient and sustainable rail transport. The implementation phase now beginning is one step toward a modern, safe and efficient rail network that will serve both passengers and the business life well into the future.
Sanna Järvenpää
CEO at Fintraffic RailwayEsa Sirkiä
Director, Digirail and Traffic Management Procurement at the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency