Construction, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Financial Services, Railways, Transport

The Talsinfix preliminary study, the procurement or which was declared on Thursday, consolidates all existing studies and data to give an initial estimate that is scientifically justified and based on analyses. The study is not a feasibility study yet but a preliminary for that. The aim of it is to give an initial estimate to the question: "Whether and at what conditions, creation of a fixed connection between Tallinn and Helsinki is possible?"

Harjumaa county governor Ülle Rajasalu said that so far there is no scientific explanation about whether the permanent connection would be profitable in the future. How do people move, is it socio-economically feasible, how cargo moves – that is what the study is expected to analyse.

The result should give an initial review of what our possibilities are, said Tallinn’s city secretary Toomas Sepp. “The only thing that can become the obstacle is will and money.”

The project includes besides the Tallinn city government also Harju county government, the city of Helsinki and Denmark, whose role is of advising and technical nature. Economy ministry also has provided advice.

Mayor of Helsinki Jussi Pajunen expressed hope that the Helsinki-Tallinn fixed connection will become reality and will be joined with Rail Baltica.

All the parties voiced the opinion that the idea is a utopian one but still feasible since the development of technology enables it.