The aim of the study was to identify how capacity on the line through Halden and Kornsjø could be managed more effectively.

The report concludes that diverting freight trains to run via Kongsvinger would not be a viable option for traffic to and from the Oslo area, and suggests that improvements to the main route via Kornsjø need to meet the requirements of both freight and passenger operators.

A key conclusion of the report is that short-term infrastructure measures including the elimination of level crossings, longer passing loops for freight, and the removal of speed restrictions could provide substantial benefits. However, the report highlights that freight-orientated enhancements will be needed on the Norwegian side, particularly in the Tisdalen area, if the benefits of introducing 750m-long freight trains in Sweden are to be extended into Norway.

The report concludes that meeting the longer-term needs of freight operators and providing more frequent passenger services is likely to require track-doubling on all remaining single-track sections of the route as well as measures to boost capacity on the Älvängen - Gothenburg section, which is already double track.

Jernbaneverket says there is still some uncertainty over exactly what measures will work most effectively and when they should be implemented, and economic evaluation will be required before these details can be finalised. However, it adds that administrative and organisational measures must be considered alongside physical measures if the desired improvements are to be achieved.

The two infrastructure managers have pledged to cooperate in the coming months to develop a more detailed strategy for the line.