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Trafikverket's plan: railways fixed in 25 years

1 de octubre de 2025
Reportado por IA

Trafikverket has unveiled a new long-term plan for railway maintenance, aiming for the entire network to be in good condition in 25 years. Only one tenth of the maintenance backlog is expected to be cleared by 2037, sparking concerns in regions like Västernorrland. The plan impacts lines such as Inlandsbanan with reduced funding and potential closures.

Trafikverket recently announced its new strategy to address the extensive maintenance needs of Swedish railways. Under the 25-year plan, the entire network is set to be repaired and modernized to meet future demands. This follows years of neglected upkeep, with large parts of the infrastructure requiring significant investments.

Karin Randén, head of Trafikverket, explained in an interview with DN: 'We have a realistic timeframe of 25 years to get the railway in top shape.' The plan prioritizes high-speed lines and main routes, but regional tracks like Inlandsbanan face reduced state funding. According to DN, some sections risk full closure, impacting freight and passenger transport in northern Sweden.

SVT reports that only ten percent of the total maintenance backlog will be addressed by 2037. This comes as a 'cold shower' for regions like Västernorrland, where local politicians describe it as 'a catastrophe for us.' Farmer and politician Lars-Gunnar Andersson told SVT: 'Inlandsbanan is vital for our economy; this is a blow to rural areas.'

The background is a growing maintenance debt in billions of kronor, fueled by increased traffic and aging tracks. The government has boosted allocations, but experts warn the pace is too slow. The Östlänken project in eastern Sweden is also delayed under the plan, causing major disappointment among municipalities. 'It's a big disappointment,' commented a spokesperson for Ostlänken AB to SVT.

The plan aims for sustainability and climate goals, but critics highlight immediate risks to safety and regional growth. Trafikverket emphasizes that phased investments will reduce disruptions over time.

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