The Norwegian government has pledged NOK 168 billion to the country’s rail network over the next 10 years to fund plans to build around 167 km of new double track railway.
Norway’s national transport strategy, which stretches between 2014-2023, has set out plans to spend NOK 16.8 billion a year on the country’s railways – an increase of 49 per cent on 2013.
Of the total investment announced, NOK 92 billion will be allocated to constructing new lines connecting Oslo with Tønsberg in Vestfold, Hamar to the north and Seut in Fredrikstad to the south.
A further NOK 5.2 billion will be spent on the Bergen Line and a further NOK 1.5 billion on the Ringerike Line.
[pullquote align=”right”]In 2005 we had 220 kilometres of double track railway. Today this is increased to 247 kilometres. By 2024 we will have 424 kilometres and in 2026 443 kilometres.[/pullquote]
Marit Arnstad, Minister of Transport and Communications, said: “In 2005 we had 220 kilometres of double track railway. Today this is increased to 247 kilometres. By 2024 we will have 424 kilometres and in 2026 443 kilometres. We are thus talking about doubling the length of double track railway in the plan period.”
Chief executive of the national rail operator NSB welcomed the increased funding for maintenance work. Around NOK 76 billion has been allocated to operation and maintenance, an increase of 46 per cent, in an attempt to significantly reduce cancellations and delays.
