The test train shines a light on the Imatra-Pietari route

The test train journey carried out on Saturday showed the belief that it is possible to open a railway connection between Imatra and Pietari. The trip went technically and with the border formalities without any problems.

─ This is indeed a historic day. We made the first trip with a modern train from St. Petersburg to Imatra, said the head of RSD's infrastructures Timofei Shmanev after the trip in the train seminar organized at Valtionhotelli.

The mayor of Imatra was also satisfied with the trip Kai Roslakka.

─ We have known about the strong will and desire of the Russians to get a rail connection since the summer. They already have schedules planned for the trains. The trip made now has strengthened the perception that the train route truly has a future, Roslakka said.

The essential issue now is the internationalization of the railway border. These preparatory discussions will be continued in October at expert meetings between Finland and Russia. The project's schedule is also affected by various permit processes with statements and, for example, modification works related to the railway yard. In addition, on the Russian side, the track must be electrified for a distance of about 30 kilometers between Kamenogorsk and Imatra, if train connections were to run up to three times a day, as calculated in RZD's preliminary plans.

Vice President of RZD Dmitry Pegov was also satisfied with the test train. He estimates that in 1-2 years the railway connection could be realistic if all the negotiations and preparations go as desired.

─ Ready to start right away, there are no technical problems. However, there is still a lot to do on both sides of the border, Pegov commented.

Rail traffic director of the Norwegian Railways Agency who spoke at the seminar at Imatra Markku Nummelin on the other hand, estimates that everything could be ready for regular traffic in 2025.

The internationalization of the Imatra-Svetogorks border would help the entire province's tourism and export industry. The traffic load on the border is expected to increase through Vainikkala in the next few years. There is pressure to transfer freight traffic to Imatra, which could increase passenger traffic to Allegro.

─ The time is now ripe for the internationalization of the railway border. The popularity of rail transport is growing. Environmental values ​​are even more important. In addition to Imatra, the benefits of the new rail connection will also be focused on the St. Petersburg area, deputy city manager Kaisa Heino says.

For more information:

City manager Kai Roslakka, tel. 020 617 2226, kai. garbageimatra.fi

Deputy Mayor Kaisa Heino, tel. 020 617 2206, kaisa.heino@imatra.fi