Views requested on legislative amendments to improve the security of transport infrastructure

The Ministry of Transport and Communications requests views on a draft government proposal to amend the Act on the Transport System and Highways, the Rail Transport Act and certain related acts. The aim is to improve the security and reliability of the transport network and to streamline the processes of planning and implementing the transport infrastructure. The deadline for submitting views is 23 August 2026.

The government proposal would implement the TEN-T (Trans European Transport Network) Regulation in national legislation. TEN-T infrastructure managers would be obligated to monitor the companies involved in infrastructure projects and assess and manage any potential risks arising from the participation of companies from third countries. The authority supervising compliance with the obligation would be the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom.

The role of national security in transport infrastructure management would be reinforced by including it, together with national defence and security of supply, among the general requirements governing the management of road and rail infrastructure. The proposal would also specify the regulation on temporary traffic arrangements during disruptions, enabling infrastructure managers to prepare for and manage traffic disruptions more effectively.

In addition, the Rail Infrastructure Act would be amended with regard to private railway infrastructure too. In future, the scope of the Act would be more extensive and the Act would apply to private railway infrastructure designed and used for regular passenger services and comparable to the state rail network. At the same time, Traficom would be assigned responsibilities relating to level crossing permits for such private railways.

In addition, the proposal includes amendments to streamline infrastructure planning and project implementation. The provisions on research rights would be specified and extended to cover the implementation phase of projects. The transport infrastructure legislation would be supplemented with provisions on the disclosure of confidential road and rail network data to operators that require access to such information in order to carry out their duties. The regulation on cable ferry services would also be updated.

The legislative amendments would promote the objectives of the national Transport System Plan, known as the Transport 12 Plan, to develop an efficient, safe and sustainable transport system.

What's next?

Views on the legislative proposal may be submitted at lausuntopalvelu.fi. The consultation period ends on 23 August 2026. The Ministry of Transport and Communications will take the feedback from the public consultation into account as it continues the law drafting.

The government proposal is scheduled to be submitted to Parliament in autumn 2026. The amendments could enter into force as of the beginning of 2027, at the earliest.

Inquiries:

Eeva Ovaska, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. 0295 342 008, [email protected]