Rautatieverkko

Rautatieverkko, Finnish for railway network, refers to the system of railway lines and their supporting infrastructure that enables rail transport in Finland. The network comprises main lines and regional routes, yards, depots, stations, and the associated infrastructure such as track, signaling, telecommunications, and overhead electrification. The track gauge is 1,524 millimeters, known as the Russian gauge, used on the vast majority of Finnish lines; some border connections and minor lines may differ. Electrification is present on the most heavily trafficked corridors, while rural or secondary services often rely on non-electrified traction. The network carries both passenger and freight traffic, with services operated by state-owned and private operators under a licensing and capacity framework.

Infrastructure is publicly owned and maintained by a national authority responsible for railway infrastructure, with operators granted access to use the tracks. Timetables and capacity rights determine train movements, and safety and interoperability are governed by national and European regulations. The signaling system has evolved from mechanical origins to modern interlocking and digital signaling, with ongoing deployment of European Train Control System (ETCS) on core routes as part of modernization.

Rail construction began in the late 19th century and expanded through the 20th century, with electrification accelerating from the mid-20th century. Since the 1990s, the Finnish rail market has been liberalized, allowing multiple operators alongside the incumbent for passenger and freight services. The Rautatieverkko remains essential for regional development, urban mobility, and sustainable transport in Finland, with continued modernization anticipated in the future.