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International Internet Magazine. Baltic States news & analytics Thursday, 28.03.2024, 20:01

Building Helsinki-Tallinn tunnel would cost 9-13 bln euros

BC, Tallinn, 11.02.2015.Print version
The results of a preliminary study show that linking Helsinki and Tallinn with an undersea tunnel would cost 9-13 billion euros, and its payback period would be about 35-40 years, LETA/Postimees Online reports.

On Wednesday in Helsinki, the results of the preliminary study of the feasibility study of the fixed link between Tallinn and Helsinki were presented, which enable to analyse the undersea tunnel and related wider impacts more thoroughly.

 

"The study estimates that the best solution for creating the connection is a rail tunnel that connects the existing transport networks in both countries. The most important aspect in carrying out the project is the shortest possible travel time, which ensures maximum profitability of the tunnel. Similarly, one of the prerequisites for the realization of the project is the high-speed rail link with Europe in the form of Rail Baltic," said Estonian Harju County Development and Planning Department Adviser Kaarel Kose.

 

The preliminary study was aimed at determining whether a permanent connection between Helsinki and Tallinn is technically feasible and to evaluate what would be the most profitable way to fit it in the two capitals transport network. The preliminary study provides a preliminary assessment of the likely costs and benefits of both countries and seeks to answer the question of whether a further feasibility study is justified.

 

According to the twin cities vision, creating the fixed connection creates a foundation for economic growth in Estonia, Finland and the Baltic region. The project would have a significant positive impact on the overall competitiveness of the region and would increase the attractiveness in the eyes of potential investors. The Helsinki-Tallinn tunnel would do away with the bottleneck in the European transport network's Arctic Ocean – Baltic corridor. Improved passenger and cargo transport opportunities would connect the Baltic Sea region more closely to the Eastern and Central Europe and the Mediterranean region.

 

"The preliminary study was based on the estimated completion date of the tunnel at the end of 2030s. If the permanent connection becomes reality, it will definitely be a project of global importance," said Kose.

 






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