Tallinn and Haapsalu: Western Estonia railway requires a state funding decision

TALLINN - On Wednesday in Haapsalu, the mayors of Tallinn and Haapsalu signed a declaration of intent, expressing their joint commitment to supporting the construction of the Turba-Haapsalu-Rohuküla railway.

The declaration emphasizes that the project is an investment whose implementation depends on the state budget or European Union funding, and that it is crucial for the Government to allocate the necessary funds to launch the project at the earliest opportunity.

Under the agreement, the two cities will propose that the government consider financing the project with European Union funds during the 2028-2034 period or, alternatively, ensure its implementation with state support.

The declaration notes that the railway project is ready for implementation-with a completed construction design and a valid building permit-and that the primary obstacle is a lack of funding.

According to Tallinn's mayor, Peeter Raudsepp, the next step is clear. "The project is prepared, and the issue is no longer one of analysis, but of decision. Once the state is ready to make a funding decision, construction can move forward," Raudsepp said.

Haapsalu's mayor, Olavi Seisonen, said that restoring the railway will have a wider impact on the entire region. "It will improve access to jobs and services and support entrepreneurship. At the same time, it will strengthen the connection to the island of Hiiumaa via the port of Rohuküla," Seisonen said.

Tallinn and Haapsalu plan to cooperate with other municipalities in Western Estonia to secure broad regional support for the project and to help inform the public about its importance.

Passenger train service between Tallinn and Haapsalu was discontinued in 1995, and the region's connection to the capital has been limited since then. The Riisipere-Turba section, which opened in 2019, has demonstrated clear demand, with over 120,000 passengers annually.

The railway's construction would create a direct and time-competitive link between Tallinn and Western Estonia, improving access to Lääne County and the islands, while also supporting business, tourism, and the movement of labor.