A recent study conducted by Eastern Finland University concluded that the planned Eastern Railway could have significant positive effects on the development of eastern Finland. The railway is expected to improve accessibility for rail travel, thus expanding the labor market's reach and providing substantial benefits to regions, particularly Southeast Finland, and also positively impacting areas such as North Karelia and North Savo. With enhanced rail links, travel times between cities like Kuopio and Joensuu to Helsinki could be reduced to around three hours, given the concurrent improvements in the Savon and Karjalan railways.

The statistical models used in the study suggest a potential increase in the population of eastern Finland by approximately 8,000 to 16,000 residents, alongside the creation of an estimated 3,300 to 18,000 new jobs. Professor Teemu Makkonen, leading the research, highlighted that while the findings are promising, they come with uncertainties as the calculations rely on historical data and predictions surrounding the areas adjacent to the planned railway. Thus, while the prospects of increased residency and employment are appealing, the actual impact may vary based on several factors.

This development aligns with Finland's broader infrastructure plans and economic strategies aimed at revitalizing and strategically connecting less populated regions with larger urban centers, thereby fostering growth, enhancing quality of life, and facilitating economic opportunities. As discussions continue about the Eastern Railway project, stakeholders in the region are keenly watching how it could reshape the demographic and economic landscapes of eastern Finland.