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The alliance partners of the Vantaa Light Rail project signed the contract for the second partial order on May 7, 2026. The contract covers the remaining section of the rail line to be built in Vantaa, from the Finnish Aviation Museum to Länsimäentie, as well as water resources management work carried out in Vantaa.
– With the signing of the second sub-order, the intensive development phase lasting one and a half years has been successfully completed, and the project can move into the implementation phase. The success of the development phase is a testament to the excellent collaboration across the entire alliance, where there is strong trust and commitment to the joint project and its objectives. As a project, we are now able to take Vantaa forward towards becoming a tram city and to develop a high-quality urban environment, says Pasi Pekkala, Project Director at Sitowise and Project Manager of the project.
The target cost estimate for the second sub-order totals €405.7 million across both alliances. The revised total cost estimate for the tram project as a whole is approximately €750 million.
– The signing of the second sub-order is an important step toward functional and sustainable rail transport in Vantaa. The decision clearly demonstrates the strength of the alliance model, where by planning and implementing together we can advance such a large-scale project in a controlled manner. In design, we are developing solutions that enable the growth of new areas and meet the changing needs of the city well into the future. The end result will be a connection that serves tens of thousands of people every day, says Elina Väistö, SVP of Sitowise Infrastructure business area.
Construction of the Vantaa light rail is divided between two alliances. One alliance is responsible for the western section of the project from Kuninkaala toward Helsinki Airport, covering the section between Helsinki Airport and Tikkurila, including the Tikkurila tunnel, whereas the other alliance is responsible for the eastern section of the project between Kuninkaala and Mellunmäki. The western section is being built by Destia, with design by Sitowise Oy and Ramboll Finland Oy.
– The contract signed today is a significant milestone on Vantaa’s journey to becoming a light rail city, as we have now agreed on the construction of the light rail for the entire Vantaa section. At the same time, we are renewing the city’s street environment and underground technical infrastructure, which would in any case soon need to be renovated. The project includes, for example, the renewal or rehabilitation of several bridges that are already in need of repairs. In connection with the light rail worksites, HSY will modernize Vantaa residents’ water resources management. The city’s investment will also be reflected in growth in both the number of residents and jobs, says Deputy Mayor Tero Anttila of the Urban Environment Department.
In addition to the City of Vantaa, the second client for the light rail project is Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY). Furthermore, in the eastern alliance, another client is Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd (Pääkaupunkiseudun Kaupunkiliikenne Oy), which represents the City of Helsinki’s share in Mellunmäki. In addition, Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd will build the depot serving the Vantaa light rail in Vaarala.
Vantaa City Council ratified the revised project plan for the Vantaa light rail on November 17, 2025. The decision included a mandate under which the Vantaa light rail alliance and Finavia will jointly prepare a supplementary plan to the project plan concerning the light rail in the vicinity of the airport terminal. The plan, to be submitted to the city executive board in June, will include a new terminus with associated arrangements, as well as a cost estimate. A decision on the implementation of the airport terminus will be made by the end of 2027.
Light rail construction sites expanding especially in Eastern Vantaa
Construction of the Vantaa light rail began in December, and in the spring the worksites will expand significantly, especially along Hakunilantie and Länsimäentie.
Street works will begin along the entire length of Kyytitie, from the Heidehof roundabout to the intersection of Kyytitie and Hakunilantie.
In the Aviapolis major district, street works will also begin on Aviabulevardi, where car traffic will be cut off and bus services will be diverted to detour routes in May. On Tikkurilantie, between Puutarhatie and Kielotie, as well as in central Tikkurila, work on the light rail tunnel will continue in the current worksite areas. Nevertheless, Tikkurila station will continue to operate normally at all times.
Vantaa to become a light rail city – the project in brief
The Vantaa light rail is the city’s first light railway and the largest investment in Vantaa’s history. It will turn Vantaa into a light rail city. The project involves a 19 kilometer cross town light rail connection that runs from the Mellunmäki metro station on the Helsinki side through Hakunila, Tikkurila, and Aviapolis toward Helsinki Airport.
The route follows Vantaa’s busiest trunk bus line, route 570, and the light rail will be built mainly along the existing street network.
In addition to the tracks, street areas will be comprehensively renewed as part of the light rail project. Street structures, traffic lanes, and pedestrian and cycling paths will be upgraded. At the same time, major improvements will be made to underground water resources management and other pipeline and cable networks.
The light rail is a significant urban development project for Vantaa, as it brings the eastern parts of the city into the rail transport network, improves mobility within the urban centers along the route, and supports their infill development. By 2050, the aim is to attract 60,000 new residents and 30,000 new jobs along the route.
Construction began in 2025, and according to the current plan, light rail operations will start in 2029.
