Sweden Transport Authority, Trafikverket, prepares to introduce the 750-m long freight trains on the Scandinavian segment of the TEN-T Scan/Med Corridor. Preparations have therefore been launched to increase axle loads on Malmbanan railway, between Boden and Riksgränsen. Modernisation is part of the National Infrastructure Plan to be developed over the next 12 years. A budget of around EUR 262 million (SEK 2.5 billion) was dedicated to these measures. The Scandinavian-Mediterranean Corridor (Scan/Med Rail Freight Corridor) is a crucial north-south axis for European economy.
The modernisation of the network for longer trains will mostly benefit the heavy railway transport industry as the longer 750-m trains will be those carrying iron ores on the route between Kiruna (Sweden) and Port of Narvik in Norway. Also, the measure is among the objectives of the overall TEN-T network development as it will significantly boost transport capacity. “A corridor which can accommodate trains of 750 m adds an extra 5% capacity on route for freight transport”, explains Trafikverket. 730-m long trains were put into operation in 2016 on Hallsberg/Katrineholm – Malmö corridor.
The plan also includes an investment of around EUR 29 billion (SEK 280 billion) in Sweden’s railway industry segment to the benefit of freight and passenger transport. At least 47% of this budget is dedicated to maintenance projects as the quality of rail infrastructure has declined over the years.
Maintenance works include the renewal of signalling systems and continuation of ERTMS deployment, a system which will cover most of the network by 2030. A new telecommunications system will be introduced starting with the middle of 2020 to replace the GSM-R system. Moreover, Trafikverket will also initiate projects to replace the optical fibre system.
Overall, EUR 13 billion (SEK 125 billion) are necessary for the operation, maintenance and renewal of rail infrastructure, an amount for which Trafikverket will require a state budget contribution.
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