New train service connects Finland and Sweden for first time in decades

A new passenger train service has commenced, linking Finland and Sweden for the first time in nearly four decades. Shortly after 05:00 local time on Monday, a double-decker train departed from Oulu, Finland and traversed the border into Sweden. The inaugural service arrived at Haparanda station in Sweden, greeted by enthusiastic crowds waving Finnish and Swedish flags.

The route had been suspended in the late 1980s to early 1990s due to low passenger numbers and track compatibility issues. Finland operates on track widths similar to Russia's, which are wider than Europe's standard, a remnant from when Finland was part of the Russian Grand Duchy in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Currently, Finland is in the process of updating its tracks to align with European standards.

The new service offers a 100-minute journey to Sweden's Haparanda, taking the train along Finland's west coast before crossing the border. From Haparanda, passengers must transfer to a different train to continue their journey southward. However, the service allows for a 5,000km rail voyage from Portugal's Algarve to Finland's northernmost train station, Kolari - the longest train route in Europe. It also enables a 24-hour train journey between Helsinki, Finland's capital and Stockholm, Sweden's capital.

Finland's Transport Minister, Elisa Markula, expressed that the cross-border service signifies growing cooperation between Finland and Sweden. She also expressed hope that the service will benefit from a "renaissance" in rail travel across Europe. Markula noted that passenger numbers in Finland are increasing significantly, contributing to the renewed interest in rail travel.