The planning of a high-speed train connection between Helsinki and Turku has officially started, with the project passing from the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency on to the Turun Tunnin Juna (roughly translated as 'Turku's One-Hour Train') limited company.
Turun Tunnin Juna said it has begun drafting the high-speed double track connection, with plans expected to be finalised by 2023.
The rail project will involve the cities of Helsinki, Turku, Espoo, Kirkkonummi, Vihti, Lohja and Salo.
"In addition to faster journey times, the new line will link all the localities along the route to the Helsinki metropolitan area, creating a common commuting area for 1.5 million residents in the western part of South Finland," the company said in a press release.
The project company has been commissioned with five separate track plans. The sections are Espoo to Lohja, Lohja to Salo, Salo to Hajala, Hajala to Nunna, and Nunna to Kupittaa.
The European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) has granted the train project with financial support.
"50 percent of the total costs have been granted for the design of the Espoo-Salo line and the Salo-Turku double track, up to 37.5 million euros," the company said in its release.