A Major Upgrade for Helsinki’s Eastern Metro Line

Tough conditions, tight schedules, and smart solutions came together in the fall of 2024 to deliver a major electrical upgrade on Helsinki’s Eastern metro line. This project was part of a larger initiative to enhance the metro’s electrical reliability, ensuring that power can flow from multiple directions. The ultimate goal? To safeguard the system against faults by enabling seamless power rerouting.

The 2.5-kilometer renovation replaced medium-voltage cables—a task complicated by narrow spaces, unpredictable weather, and stringent safety regulations. Traditional methods were simply not an option.

FastGuard: The Perfect Solution

“We needed a fireproof and durable protective pipe for the metro’s medium-voltage cable. FastGuard was the perfect choice,” says Omid Musawi, Project Manager at Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd. FastGuard, developed by Uponor Infra, is a robust cable protection product designed for high-stress environments. While similar products have been successfully used in Sweden for years, this project marked its Finnish debut.

FastGuard stands out as a unique cable protection solution, featuring separate upper and lower cases that are securely joined by a locking mechanism. These innovative protectors are easy to connect, incredibly strong, and designed to perform on uneven surfaces. “Their fire safety and durability were also crucial factors in choosing the product,” Musawi adds.

Faster Installation, Smarter Methods

The new cables and FastGuard protectors are built to keep the metro running smoothly for years to come. Mikko Maukonen, Supervisor of the Rail Maintenance Unit at Metropolitan Area Transport, highlights that the metro will soon start to run every 100 seconds, compared to the current 2.5-minute intervals. Achieving this efficiency required new substations and superior cable protection.

“FastGuard protectors are much quicker to install than other products. The pipes are light yet strong, making them easier to handle in tight spaces,” Maukonen explains. The team also innovated installation methods by assembling 10-meter pipe sections on freight wagons instead of the standard one-meter segments. “This method was much faster,” he notes.
 

Improved Cable Placement for Enhanced Safety

Thanks to FastGuard, the medium-voltage cables are now protected on the other side of the track, minimizing the risk of one cable damaging another. The pipes’ ability to withstand ground pressure and resist sunlight ensures the system’s safety, even if a cable is compromised.
 

Overcoming Challenges with Innovation

The electrical work was carried out during the metro’s overnight breaks, allowing only five hours of working time each night. Despite these constraints, progress was steady. “Each night, we managed to install approximately 600 meters of protective piping,” Maukonen shares. The team overcame additional challenges, such as working in pitch-dark conditions, by relying entirely on construction lighting.

FastGuard’s design made the process seamless. Its simple locking system and socket connections allowed pipes to be secured by hand or foot, with the flexibility to bend up to 15 degrees per meter.

A Bright Future for Metro Infrastructure

This successful project demonstrates how innovation and teamwork can drive smarter, more efficient solutions for infrastructure challenges. With Uponor’s FastGuard leading the way, Helsinki’s metro is now better equipped to serve its growing transportation needs.

Stay tuned, more Infra Stories coming your way!