Railway in the north, Ofotbanen | A Tromsbane is the transport solution of the future

A Tromsbane between Tromsø and Narvik, an extension of the Ofotbanen, is particularly important in the work to strengthen Norway’s socially critical infrastructure and total preparedness. The armed forces in inner Troms are planning a brigade that provides significant population growth and demands for increased mobility. And an expanded helicopter base requires increased staffing at Bardufoss.

The need for transferring more expertise to the region can be a challenge. Are businesses and defense municipalities in the region ready to handle and utilize the windows that will open?

An interconnected Troms-Ofotbane is of great strategic importance, and will be an engine for increased value creation, tourism and give increased competitiveness to business. Ofotbanen is something we have on a par with railways elsewhere in Norway. Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård has pointed out on several occasions that we must prioritize what we have, and not start new large projects. Without any time frame being mentioned for how long this “culture of postponement” for the development of railways in the north will be in force? What we have will always need maintenance and updating.

Norway is a winter wonderland with a challenging climate. Temperature fluctuations, ice and snow will always challenge the digital systems and the technical structure of track operations. But still, rail is a more predictable and efficient transport than trailers.

National Transport Plan, NTP, shows a vague plan of 2 billion for 2–3 crossing tracks between Narvik and the national border. This 42 km long Ofot line is Norway’s busiest. A double track must be built in the near future! The work on the crossing track is planned over several years in the 12-year NTP period. Does Nygård really think that there is no need for double tracks here on Norway’s busiest track?

In NTP is double track between Råde and Fredrikstad with a cost frame of 23 billion more important, and prioritized ahead of Ofotbanen. The line between the national border and Narvik carries more than 60% of the amount of goods in tonnes of what is transported by train in Norway. Of this quantity of goods, 200,000 tonnes are seafood.

Hence the cost the train derailments cost the business sector large amounts. The seafood industry 2 billion and LKAB 1.5 billion. Alternative transport with trailers makes deliveries more expensive and delays them. Weather and driving conditions, depending on the opening hours of customs stations and fresh seafood will remain fixed. Each trailer is responsible for a load of seafood worth NOK 1.5 million.

Business loses time and money on unforeseen events with trailers and closed tracks. A high-frequency freight line with a missing double track could become a national safety problem of critical societal importance under Arctic climate conditions. Rail ore transport is the most important supply line for producing steel in Europe. It makes Norway’s and Europe’s defense industry vulnerable.

This supply line handles 70-80% of food deliveries, which are delivered north of Saltfjellet. Total preparedness, defense and security of supply are at stake when the track has a critically long downtime. The transport of food, semi-finished products, other goods, defense and preparedness and socially critical personnel are critical considerations for total preparedness in Norway.

We cant continue to be so, that both business, employment, defense and preparedness are challenged.

A double track because Ofotbanen is not enough. The Tromsbanen must be designed and connected to this route as soon as possible. A Tromsbane line will be a useful tool for strengthening Norway’s defense capability and total preparedness. And will give the region increased expertise, more professionals, employment and meet the mobility needs the future demands.

But since The Tromsbanen is missing, today goods going north towards Tromsø and Finnmark must continue by car, which makes the flow of goods less cost-effective, more time-consuming, more unpredictable, more road wear, increased risk of breakdowns, more microplastics and an increased density of heavy vehicles which affects traffic safety.

Bardufoss and Setermoen has the army’s largest military camp. The armed forces will step up staffing here, which will result in large population growth. New appointments with in-demand skills, which must be in place. A good strategy is required to recruit competence and not least retain it. It is competitiveness for this that needs to be boosted.

Business life in the region need additional competitiveness. This power lies in, among other things, how to meet the needs of a strongly growing mobility society? Young people and skilled personnel demand quality from the current transport offer. It is the alpha and omega for establishment and settlement.

A Tromsbane will constitute a vital artery for business development. But also for the development of local communities and the quality of life for those who will live here.

Also the settlement of Nordkjosbotn has the potential to gain city status with its geographical location, but lacks the engine that can provide the necessary competitiveness. A Tromsbane can be an engine for increased mobility, manufacturing companies, population development and opening new markets here.