{"id":59708,"date":"2024-06-04T17:57:24","date_gmt":"2024-06-04T07:57:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.railfreight.com\/?p=53081"},"modified":"2024-06-04T17:57:24","modified_gmt":"2024-06-04T07:57:24","slug":"sweden-upgrades-iron-ore-line-possibly-raises-tacs-for-funding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=59708","title":{"rendered":"Sweden upgrades Iron Ore Line, possibly raises TACs for funding"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sweden\u2019s traffic administration intends to advance several rail infrastructure projects along the country\u2019s northern Iron Ore Line, which is crucial for mines in the area. Moreover, Sweden is considering raising track access charges to fund a partial double track between Boden and Lule\u00e5.<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Sweden\u2019s northern rail infrastructure is vital for some of Europe\u2019s largest mining companies. Two derailments in late 2023 and early 2024 highlighted the need for better infrastructure as the mines\u2019 stocks piled up.<\/p>\n

Consequently, the Swedish government instructed the traffic administration to investigate if a number of planned improvements could be brought forward. The traffic administration has now concluded that a partial double track and a new passing loop between Norra Sunderbyn and S\u00e4vastklinten can be brought forward.<\/p>\n

Moreover, along the Iron Ore Line, extensions of the passing loops at Harrtr\u00e4sk, Nuortikon, N\u00e4sberg and Murjek can be implemented earlier. Lastly, the rail yards at Siktr\u00e4sk and Nattavaara can likewise be expanded sooner. Most projects can commence in 2025 or 2026, which is one or two years earlier than the originally planned start.<\/p>\n

Higher TACs for a double track?<\/h2>\n

Besides improvements on the Iron Ore Line, the neighbouring rail section between Boden and Lule\u00e5 requires upgrades to facilitate reliable rail freight traffic. Sweden, therefore, intends to build an additional track on that section, but the question of financing remains up in the air. A TAC increase seems to be on the table, even if Sweden is already raising TACs by 40 per cent<\/a> in 2024.<\/p>\n

The traffic administration inquired with various companies, including the large mining companies in the region, about their willingness to co-finance the double track. Perhaps unsurprisingly, all respondents indicated that they believe it is the government\u2019s responsibility to finance rail infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Now, the Swedish traffic administration is looking into a TAC increase to finance the construction of a double track between Lule\u00e5 and Boden. A report on the matter is due to come out before the end of the year. A number of companies have reported a more positive stance towards this model of financing than direct co-financing, according to the traffic administration.<\/p>\n

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