Rautatieverkkoa

Rautatieverkkoa refers to the national railway network of Finland, comprising the infrastructure, stations, signaling systems, power supply, rolling stock, and the organizations that plan, operate, and regulate rail services. It supports passenger traffic, regional transit, long-distance intercity routes, and freight movements, connecting cities, towns, and ports across the country.

Governance and infrastructure: The railway grid is public infrastructure, with Väylävirasto (the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency) responsible for managing the network and Traficom supervising safety, licensing, and regulatory compliance. The network uses a broad gauge of 1,524 millimeters, reflecting historical ties with neighboring rail systems. Electrification covers core intercity routes and urban commuter corridors, enabling electric traction on a large portion of the main lines.

Operations and services: Passenger services are delivered by VR Group and other licensed operators, providing intercity, regional, and urban services; freight is handled by VR Cargo and private operators on dedicated and shared tracks. Timetable planning and capacity allocation aim to balance regional accessibility with efficiency, while station and interchange facilities support multimodal travel.

Development and outlook: Ongoing modernization focuses on reliability, safety, and capacity, including signaling upgrades, digitalization, and gradual expansion or electrification of key corridors. Finland participates in cross-border interoperability initiatives to improve international rail connections with neighboring countries. The overarching goal is to create a cohesive, sustainable railway network that reduces road traffic and supports regional growth.