FINLAND: National railway VR launched electric services on the 75 km line between Seinäjoki and Vaasa on December 12. Electrification at 25 kV 50 Hz has permitted the introduction of direct express services from Helsinki, with a daily return Pendolino as well as inter-city trains.
Ratatek was main contractor for the work under a two-year contract worth €17m, and invested in new road-rail equipment for the project. Around 80 track-km was electrified and two new feeder stations provided.
Invensys Rail supplied its first Westrace level crossing controller for Finland, along with Frauscher axle-counters.
