Finland’s train control system (JKV) — which enables train traffic — is approaching the end of its life cycle. At the same time, environmentally friendly train travel is growing in popularity and the amount of goods transported by rail is on the rise. The outdated system is in desperate need of modernisation — and that’s why the Digirail project is vital for Finland. The Digirail project aims to completely replace the obsolete system and switch over to a radio network-based train control system.
Train traffic has long been one of the main forms of travel and transportation in Finland. According to data collected by Fintraffic, train traffic is increasing. A traffic survey commissioned by Fintraffic indicated that Finns prefer to take the train on long domestic trips. Goods transportation on rails is also important for Finland’s exports. Smooth-running traffic connects Finland to the rest of the world. Train traffic enables the cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation of large volumes of goods.
The competitiveness of train travel is currently threatened by an outdated train control system — and thus the Digirail project is now essential for Finland.
Digirail makes train traffic run more efficiently
The train control system ensures the safety of train traffic and is thus one of the most critical functions for maintaining safety in society. If the work to modernise the control system is not started at the end of the decade, both the number of trains and their speeds will have to be reduced in the future. The gradual decline in track capacity would have a harmful impact on safety, climate targets, the reliability of Finnish industry and efforts to improve the popularity of trains.
The Digirail project will introduce state-of-the-art technology to Finnish railways, improving their functionality and competitiveness. Train control systems can be improved through digitalisation, enabling accurate real-time monitoring and optimisation.
Digitalisation will also make it possible to reduce infrastructure components and modify train traffic operations to achieve a better level of service and savings in both costs and energy. More efficient and reliable train traffic will also enhance Finland’s productivity by supporting the expansion of travel-to-work areas, adding trains onto the current tracks and decreasing the overall cost level of the railways.
Thus, Digirail is not merely a project that develops rail traffic — it is a vital investment in the entire transport system and its development that will benefit both current and future generations.
Finland leads the way in Europe
Digirail will also promote the linking of Finnish railways to the western rail system, the European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS). A cybersecure railway system will ensure security of supply and the key functions of society under a variety of conditions. Digirail’s development and verification phase has been heavily funded by the EU, with 75% of the estimated EUR 130 million cost of this phase being covered by EU subsidies.
The Digirail project has already attracted international interest. Digirail will usher in innovative solutions that can serve as a model not only for other countries, but also for other modes of transport, and promote general technological development. Finland is a pioneer in European railway digitalisation — Finland seeks to be the first country in Europe to utilise existing commercial radio networks, rather than a designated radio network for train traffic. This solution will save hundreds of millions of euros. Although Digirail is developing the Finnish radio network system, our work also has effects outside of Finland’s borders.
Thanks to Digirail, the 160-year history of Finland’s railways is taking another great stride towards more modern train traffic. It is planned that the Digirail project as a whole will be completed by 2040. Funding is currently secured up to the end of 2027.
Sanna Järvenpää
CEO, Fintraffic Railway
