The Finnish Transport Agency together with Norwegian railway authorities have started a study in order to explore the possibilities for constructing the Arctic Railway and to examine its profitability. - The route should be Rovaniemi – Kirkenes, says Major Rune Rafaelsen of Sør-Varanger.
- We have started the regional land use planning in Northern Lapland. Regional land use planning in Finland defines the areas that are significant for the development of the region and it will take 3-4 years, says Timo Lohi, development manager at the Region of Northern Lapland municipality.
Defining Arctic Railway route to Kirkenes is according to Lohi, perhaps the most extensive project in the process. It is estimated to be ready end of 2019.
- We will study 2-3 different railway lines to Kirkenes, via Neiden, via Pasvik, and compare them with each other. Also cost analysis will be prepared. Several studies are also included in the process, such as impacts on transport system, industry, mining industry, tourism, people, sami culture, reindeer herding and nature, says Lohi.
Challenges are related to several things.
- Our challenges are related to especially sami culture, reindeer herding and nature. Is it possible to find a route which is viable and has as little negative effects as possible? What are the costs of this route, asks Lohi.
Preliminary results of Arctic Railway route will come Spring 2018.
Arctic Corridor introduces new global logistics route and Arctic Railway Rovaniemi-Kirkenes.
Northern Sea Route provides 40 % faster alternative for transports between Asia and Europe compared to the sea route through Suez Canal. Barents oil & gas projects and mining industry in Lapland are the main drivers supported by tourism.
Arctic Corridor provides huge possibilities for new Arctic businesses.
Oil and gas industry (Barents Sea, northwestern Siberia, Norwegian coastal areas)
Mining industry (Russia, Norway and increasingly also Finland)
Forest industry (northern Finland, northwestern Russia)
