Major upgrades to Swedens rail network

Sweden’s national rail network is set to undergo modernisation after a government budget announced major investment plans.

€6.5 billion project

A plan to upgrade rail lines was presented by Sweden’s Transport Ministry in a striving proposal which would see Skr55 billion (€6.5bn) of investment. The plans, which are the highest-ever spend on national rail freight network infrastructure, were part of the Swedish governments budget for 2013.

Much-needed upgrades

The investment would allow much-needed upgrades to the primary rail freight corridors which serve ports and airports. Another key element of the project will see upgrades to the Eastern Link between Jarna and Linkoping.

Designed for increased efficiency

Speaking about the ambitious plans, Annie Loos, Sweden’s Enterprise Minister said: “This is a major infrastructure project, and one which is designed to make Sweden’s transport systems to ports and airports more efficient. It is important that we make this investment now and leverage funding that is available to us from our strong economy.”

Upgrades will also include extension of the line to Skavsta Airport, as well as a new branch line to Gothenburg’s Landvetter Airport.

“The end result when all works are done will be a rail-infrastructure which is faster, more reliable and which better serves the needs of the economy and rail-cargo users,” added Löös.

Work is set to commence in 2017 with completion due in 2028.