The Digirail implementation phase, which started in 2025, is a major milestone in Finnish railway transport. The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and Fintraffic Railway Ltd will jointly renew the safety equipment, train control systems and traffic-control and management systems covering the entire Finnish railway network.

Finnish rail transport is facing a major transition. The current train control system is coming to the end of its life cycle and can no longer be maintained in terms of infrastructure or rolling stock, neither in terms of technology or EU regulation. The Digirail project is a necessary replacement investment for ensuring that the current level of traffic on the national rail network can be ensured also in the future. The project will bring Finland’s rail network technologically closer to Central Europe, strengthen international connections and improve Finland’s logistical competitiveness.

The implementation phase is the largest and most significant part of the Digirail project. During the implementation phase, the Digirail system will be implemented on the entire rail network to replace the current train control system (JKV). At this stage, the nature of the project will change significantly, as the focus will shift from a development project to several simultaneous construction projects.

Implementation plan – a script for the implementation phase

An implementation plan is currently being prepared for the implementation phase and it will be followed during the implementation phase. The plan covers, among other things:

  • the manner and form in which the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) will be implemented on the Finnish rail network by 2040
  • the operating models, phasing and internal organisation of the project.

The purpose of the implementation plan is to provide a framework/backbone to guide the work during the implementation phase, all the way until the start of traffic operation on the last track section area. The plan will ensure that the overall progress towards Digirail’s objectives is controlled and efficient.

The EKA track section the lessons learnt will bring benefits for the implementation phase

The first commercial track section (EKA) to be built on the Tampere-Pori/Rauma line will serve as an important test platform and source of information for the implementation phase. It will provide practical experience and knowledge to support the planning and cost-effectiveness of a nation-wide implementation.

The lessons learnt from the EKA phase are a key prerequisite for successful procurement and smooth work.

Schedule and costs of the implementation phase

  • Investment in the modernisation and renovation of the train control system to be carried out between 2025 and 2040
  • The estimated cost is approximately EUR 1.2 billion.

News related to the topic

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How will Digirail be rolling out across the entire Finnish rail network? The progress map has been designed according to the customers’ transport flows and rolling stock

The drawing up of the implementation plan is progressing at a concrete level

The year of the implementation phase’s implementation plan (ToTo) has been marked by the taking over of the whole and the launch of new entities – where are we now and what is in store for the rest of the year?