Staatsiline

Staatsiline is a fictional high-speed rail corridor and governance framework used in world-building to illustrate cross-border railway integration in a multi-state federation. The term combines staats (state) and linie (line), reflecting its role as a unified spine for mobility and coordination across jurisdictions.

In the imagined setting, the corridor connects the capitals and major urban centers of participating states, spanning roughly 1,200 to 1,500 kilometers. Technical design features include standard gauge (1435 mm), 25 kV AC electrification, ETCS Level 2 signaling on core sections, dual-track construction, and high-speed sections capable of up to 320 km/h. The route prioritizes interoperability with regional networks and freight corridors.

Governance is centralized through the Staatsiline Authority (SA), which oversees planning, safety, and investment, while operations are conducted by the Staatsiline Rail (SR) under a unified timetable. Subprojects cover track upgrades, station modernization, and border facilities, funded by member states and multilateral funds. A transparent data regime and common procurement rules are asserted to maintain consistency.

As a fictional construct, Staatsiline is used to explore benefits such as reduced travel times and stronger regional cohesion, alongside debates about sovereignty, cost-sharing, and equity among regions. It serves as a case study in how standardized infrastructure can be planned and governed across multiple jurisdictions.