The goal of the refurbishment is to make the station more pleasant and easier for passengers to navigate. One of the most significant improvements is the installation of a fifth escalator between Kompassitaso and the platform level. At the same time, all escalators and lifts at the station will be replaced. In addition, the station's services and commercial facilities will be renewed.
Replacing the escalators will affect the use of the station in late 2027
Based on current estimates, replacing the escalators from Kompassitaso down to the platform level would require a six-month-long disruption to Metro service at the station, starting in October 2027. The time and duration of the disruption will be specified later. The contract will include an incentive payment for reducing the duration of the disruption to station operations.
The disruption to Metro service at the Central Railway Station Metro Station will not suspend Metro services, but trains will pass through the station without stopping. The service disruption will also be used to carry out other works in the platform area that would otherwise disrupt station operations.
“Trains will pass through the Central Railway Station Metro Station without stopping, but the adjacent Kamppi and University of Helsinki Metro Stations will remain open as usual. Public transport services will continue to operate, even though some journeys will require changing to a tram or bus. The details concerning alternative public transport connections will be specified as the planning progresses,” says Teuvo Syrjälä, project manager at HSL.
The disruption to Metro service between Hakaniemi and Herttoniemi caused by the project to replace the Junatie Metro bridge, which will run from 3 May to 8 December 2027, will partially overlap with the refurbishment of the Central Railway Station Metro Station. Based on a transport model analysis by HSL, it would be logical to schedule the disruptions at the Central Railway Station and Kalasatama Metro Stations at the same time, as the Metro is expected to have fewer passengers during the disruption at Kalasatama. However, due to the long delivery times for the escalators and excavation work at the Central Railway Station Metro Station continuing until autumn 2027, it is not possible to schedule the disruptions to take place at exactly the same time.
The possibility to replace the escalators in phases has been examined extensively. However, the option is not feasible for safety reasons. There is only one escalator access between Kompassitaso and the platform level, and there is no alternative route for passengers. In addition, replacing the escalators in phases would also extend the project duration to almost two years and increase the risk of disruptions.
In 2024, several measures were carried out in the Metro tunnel and on the platforms to improve fire safety at the station. These measures were a prerequisite for a more comprehensive refurbishment of the underground spaces. At the time, fire safety systems in the escalator shaft had to be replaced, which meant that it was not possible to replace the escalator at the same time during the 2024 Metro service disruption.
Decision on the refurbishment project will be made soon
Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd is preparing the refurbishment project for the Central Railway Station Metro Station on behalf of Helsinki City Transport. The Board Of Directors at Helsinki City Transport will discuss the refurbishment project plan in its meeting on 26 August 2026.
The Central Railway Station Metro Station opened in 1982. To keep the station operational and safe in the future, it is necessary to refurbish the premises and replace the technical systems and structures that have reached the end of their lifecycle.
During autumn 2026, the refurbishment project plan will proceed to the Helsinki City Board and City Council for approval. Once the plan is approved, the goal is to begin construction at the end of 2026.
“The project aims to modernise the station while respecting its original character and historical significance. The aim is to deliver a technically durable solution whose key components will remain in service for at least 50 years. The planning also places a strong emphasis on climate responsibility, circular economy, energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions from construction,” says Antti Nousiainen, director of the Asset Management Unit at Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd.
The refurbishment of the Central Railway Station Metro Station is part of a larger plan for Helsinki city center, which also includes the renovation of Kaivokatu and the West Harbour Light Rail.