Government proposes additions to 2026 budget: New transport infrastructure projects and rail connections

On 21 November, the Government submitted to Parliament its proposal to amend the 2026 budget. New transport infrastructure projects will be launched and rail and transport links will be improved throughout Finland.

Main Road 9 will be improved between Tampere and Orivesi. A budget authority of EUR 109 million and an appropriation of EUR 22 million are proposed for 2026. 

“It is excellent that Main Road 9, one of Finland’s most urgent projects, has finally been included in the budget after decades of waiting. The project has also been at the top of my own priority list throughout this term. It is an essential investment that will significantly improve road safety,” says Minister Ranne.

“The supplementary budget also brings a Christmas gift for Lapland. Northern transport links will be strengthened as passenger train services on the Tornio–Haparanda route begin next year. This project enhances Finland’s national security and security of supply while improving the everyday connections people rely on,” Ranne adds.

The proposed annual funding for the launch of the Tornio–Haparanda service is EUR 1.9 million. As outlined by the Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy on 18 November, in the 2030s the service will be part of the public service contract fully financed by the state.

The number of train services between Hanko and Helsinki will increase to daily. The Government proposes that an additional annual funding of EUR 800,000 be allocated to the Hanko–Helsinki passenger train services for the period 2026–2030. As outlined by the Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy, in the 2030s the contracted transport service between Hanko and Helsinki will be part of the public service contract fully financed by the state.

The Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy also decided that in the 2030s the transport service starting in Rauma in 2027 will be part of the fully state-funded public service contract. The General Government Fiscal Plan allocated EUR 2.5 million per year for the launch of passenger train services in Rauma for 2026–2029, starting in 2027. The Government is also allocating EUR 2.5 million for passenger train services in Rauma for 2030.

The Government also proposes funding for the following projects, which are part of its fixed-term investment programme:

-    A budget authority of EUR 199 million and an appropriation of EUR 10 million are proposed for the Liminka–Oulu double track for 2026. The aim of the project is to improve the capacity of the rail section, reduce its susceptibility to disruption, enable an increase in train services and reduce journey times.

-    For the Main Road 4, Vestonmäki–Toivakka project, a budget authority of EUR 18 million and an appropriation of EUR 2 million are proposed for 2026. The project will improve the flow and safety of long-distance traffic.

-    The Government is also promoting two planning projects. An appropriation of EUR 2.5 million is proposed for the Highway 152, Hämeenlinnanväylä–Tuusulanväylä (Ring Road IV) project and EUR 400,000 for the Main Road 51, Vuohimäki interchange in 2026. 

-    In addition, the Government proposes an appropriation of EUR 3.25 million for the Kupittaa Deck urban development project. The project is part of the Turku Region agreement on land use, housing and transport for 2024–2035. The use of this appropriation is conditional on the municipalities of the Turku Region committing to the objectives, measures and fi-nancing of the agreement for 2024–2035 as set out in the negotiations.

Inquiries:

Tuomas Sorsa, Special Adviser, [email protected], tel. +358 295 342 012

Budget proposal: Sanna Ruuskanen, Director of Unit, [email protected], tel. +358 295 342 122

Passenger rail services: Elina Immonen, Director of Unit, [email protected], tel. +358 295 342 159, and Alma Wahrmann, Senior Adviser, [email protected], tel. +358 295 342 118

Transport infrastructure projects: Maria Torttila, Senior Ministerial Adviser, [email protected], tel. +358 295 342 237