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Helsinki politicians want to add momentum to Tallinn tunnel plan

BC, Tallinn, 26.05.2015.Print version
Helsinki city council's political leaders want to add momentum to the plan of building a tunnel connecting Estonian and Finnish capitals, in order to avoid Finland becoming an economic periphery, LETA/Postimees Online reports.

According to a preliminary study published in February by Sweco, the most sensible solution would be a train tunnel under the Gulf of Finland, linking Finland with the future Rail Baltica.

 

Helsinki City Council's major factions politicians agree now that the following studies should be quickly undertaken, because otherwise there is a danger that the whole plan will get stalled, reported Finnish national broadcaster Yle.

 

"In is clear that this thing has to be worked on at full steam. The preliminary study made it clear that it is certainly worthwhile to continue with work. The fact that the plan is not progressing, is not good for us in any case," said the head of the Greens, Emma Kari.

 

Kari said that the economic downturn will provide the reason to implement the plan, although the cost of the tunnel is according to the preliminary study 9-13 billion euros.

 

"In a poor economic situation, investments of this type give us better growth outlook. The tunnel would bring us closer to Europe, would improve transport links and would benefit the economy," said Kari.

 

Social Democrats faction head Osku Pajamäki said that Finland has for a long time been in transport blockade, even though the ship traffic between the two countries has been smooth.

 

Coalition Party (Kokoomus) faction Chairman Lasse Männistö said also that in the future, ship traffic is not enough.

 

So far, the plan has been driven by the City of Helsinki, now Kari and Männistö say it is time that the Finnish state participated more seriously.






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