Three regional councils in Finland have initiated a pre-assessment for the construction of a new railway line, dubbed the Aalto Track, which would extend from Turku along the coast to Kokkola, passing through Pori and Vaasa. This ambitious project has an estimated cost of between 2 and 2.4 billion euros. The primary objective of the railway is to bolster the logistical competitiveness of the coastal area, support industrial and export needs, and enhance workforce mobility throughout the region.

Additionally, the new railway line is expected to improve operational reliability in the transport sector, contributing to the development of a more interconnected railway network across Finland. Although there is significant potential for the project, an exact timeline is yet to be determined, and transportation expert Tero Voldi from the Ostrobothnia regional council acknowledges that if there is political will, progress could be made relatively quickly. However, the planning phases alone could take several decades before any actual construction begins.

Interestingly, the name 'Aalto Track' has roots in architectural history, as Tero Voldi mentions that the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto had previously contemplated a railway along the coastline. This historical connection adds a cultural dimension to the project, further emphasizing the modern implications of enhancing transport infrastructure in line with Finland's geographical context.