Finnish transport infrastructure agency Väylävirasto has selected Afry and Sweco as planning partners for the planned standard-gauge Rail Nordica line and has signed the contract for the development phase. The contract runs from 2026 to 2030 and covers preliminary planning for a standard-gauge railway line extending from Haparanda in Sweden via Tornio and Kemi to the Port of Kemi, as well as the Tornio – Röyttä line. The scope also includes a transshipment facility and the renewal of the railway bridge spanning the Tornio River. The services to be provided include expert assessments, surveying, geotechnical investigations, master plans and environmental impact assessments. The value of the services now awarded amounts to around EUR 18 million. Since 2025, planning funds totalling EUR 20 million have been available for the overall project. The development phase is scheduled to begin in June 2026 and continue until the spring of 2027. Following this, the detailed implementation planning can start. A decision regarding the actual construction has not yet been made.