Rail-Based Transfer Bridges Nordic Track Gauge Divide

On 9 January 2026, the first SJ X40 electric multiple unit reached Oulu by rail from Sweden via Haaparanta and Tornio, using transfer bogies developed by VR FleetCare. The arrival marks the first passenger train in many years to be moved into Finland by rail rather than by road, despite the differing track gauges between the two countries. The solution establishes a new, rail-based logistics pathway for European-gauge rolling stock entering Finland for maintenance or modernisation.

Overcoming gauge differences with transfer bogies
Finland’s rail network uses a 1,524 mm broad gauge, while Sweden operates on the 1,435 mm European standard gauge. Historically, this incompatibility has required rolling stock transfers to be carried out by road once trains reached the border. VR FleetCare’s transfer bogies allow European-gauge vehicles to be moved by rail across the border and onwards to Finnish maintenance facilities without dismantling the train or resorting to road haulage.

This approach reduces handling steps, lowers emissions associated with heavy road transport, and improves scheduling predictability for large-scale refurbishment programs.

X40 modernisation programme in Oulu
The rail transfer supports an ongoing modernisation project between VR FleetCare and SJ AB involving 27 X40 double-decker electric trains. The trains are being refurbished at VR FleetCare’s project centre in Oulu, where the work is expected to extend each vehicle’s service life by 15 to 20 years.

Beyond life extension, the programme focuses on improving passenger comfort and updating systems to meet current operational requirements. According to the project timeline, the final refurbished units are scheduled to return to service in early 2028.




Sustainability and efficiency gains
Replacing road-based transfers with rail movement aligns with broader sustainability goals in the Nordic rail sector. Rail-based logistics reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and congestion, particularly for heavy and oversized vehicles such as electric multiple units.

The successful delivery of the X40 train demonstrates that cross-border rail transfer is technically viable despite gauge differences, creating a repeatable model for future rolling stock projects between Sweden and Finland.

Implications for future cross-border maintenance
With the transfer bogie solution now validated in live operation, VR FleetCare can receive European-gauge rolling stock directly by rail at its Finnish facilities. This capability supports more efficient international maintenance and modernisation projects and strengthens Finland’s role as a regional hub for heavy rail refurbishment.

For operators such as SJ AB, the solution offers a lower-impact, more streamlined way to manage fleet upgrades while keeping trains within a rail-based logistics chain from origin to workshop.