The Swedish government has given the go-ahead for various major rail projects around the country. Notably, construction works on parts of the Iron Ore Line (Malmbanan) and Norrbothnia Line can now commence.
“The government is now giving the green light to several important infrastructure projects. This includes the Norrbothnia Line, which is of great importance for both commuting and freight traffic. […] The measures on the Iron Ore Line will significantly strengthen capacity, which is important for Swedish competitiveness and preparedness”, explained infrastructure minister Andreas Carlson.
The investments are necessary to enable further investments in crucial economic sectors, says climate minister Romina Pourmokhtari: “The government has decided on major investments to strengthen the railway, for both freight and passenger transport. These are investments to increase the pace of climate change in Sweden. The industry’s climate initiatives in northern Sweden, including fossil-free steel and iron ore, are absolutely crucial in this work. To enable these investments, there must be reliable rail transport.”
Approvals
The projects that the government has approved are part of a national infrastructure plan that was put together in 2022 and 2023. The Swedish Transport Administration put forward a number of proposals – which the government has made its final decisions on, according to Swedish media.
Some of the rail projects to be started in the coming years include:
– Sikträsk Ore Line (yard extension)
– Harrträsk Ore Line (extension of junction station)
– Malmbanan Näsberg (extension of meeting station)
– Nuortikon Ore Line (extension of junction station)
– Norrbothnia Line between Dåva–Skellefteå
– Dalabanan, measures for increased frequency and shorter travel time
A number of other works to be carried out later can now be prepared by the transport administration among which is an expansion of track 58 at the Malmö freight yard.