Of this amount, EUR 12 billion are directed to the railway transport sector. The government in Stockholm has allocated SEK 622.5 billion (EUR 60.5 billion) from the national budget, which is divided into three segments:
– SEK 125 billion (EUR 12 billion) for operation and maintenance of the railway network
– SEK 164 billion (EUR 16 billion) for operation and maintenance of the national road network
– SEK 333.5 billion (EUR 32.5 billion) for development of the transport system.
This represents an increase of around SEK 100 billion (EUR 9.7 billion) compared with the previous (2014-2025) transport plan. The amount includes several projects which will continue beyond 2029.
The government has decided on a national infrastructure plan for the years 2018-2029. It is a total investment of SEK 700 billion (EUR 70.7 billion) and the largest railway effort in modern times. The plan includes major investments in both new construction and upgrading and modernization of existing infrastructure. The decision also holds significant investments in maritime and road transport.
The Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) has the main responsibility for implementing the Plan.
“Now we are making the biggest railway effort in modern times. Investments in the community and in what consolidates Sweden are strong and sustainable, precedes reduced taxes. Sweden will have a modern rail network where trains will run on time across the country,” Minister of Infrastructure, Tomas Eneroth, said.
“Finally, people who travel in an eco-friendly manner are now prioritised. We are making this effort to ensure that the trains arrive on time throughout the country, and more people can commute sustainably to work,” Climate Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Isabella Lövin, emphasised.
The plan includes the construction of the section of the North Botnia Line from Dåva near Umeå to Skellefteå, approximately half of the proposed 270km route from Umeå to Luleå. The 12km section from Umeå to the Dåva industrial area was approved in 2014 and construction is due to begin this year. Work will begin on the Dåva – Skellefteå section after 2024. However, the remainder of the line to Luleå is not included in the 2018-2029 National Transport Plan.
Another significant new project is the 60km double-track Gothenburg – Borås high-speed line, which is expected to serve Landvetter Airport. Infrastructure manager Trafikverket estimates the project will cost SEK 33 billion (EUR 3.2 billion), although the government has only committed SEK 3.8 billion (EUR 370.8 million) through the transport plan. Construction will begin after 2024 and the line will ultimately form part of a high-speed link between Stockholm and Gothenburg.
The Järna (near Stockholm) – Linköping section of the route was included in the 2014-2025 plan and is slated for completion between 2033 and 2035, although no decision has been made on when work will start on the core Linköping – Jönköping – Borås stretch. However, the government has now confirmed that it will construct high-speed lines for 320km/h operation, rejecting proposals for a 250km/h design speed, which would have reduced construction costs.
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