Helsinki metro receives € 450 million EIB boost

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is to lend up to € 450 million to a project expanding the metro network in Finland's capital, Helsinki.

The Westmetro project will link the existing rail network in Central and Eastern Helsinki to 14 km of new track running from Central Helsinki to Espoo. Seven stations will also be constructed along the route, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2015.

The EIB funds will go to project manager Länsimetro, a company co-owned by the city of Espoo and the City of Helsinki.

In addition to the EIB loan, the project is also supported by the Nordic Investment Bank, the Finnish government and the two municipalities.