Traffic Package 2 encompasses the electrified Oslo - Trondheim main line and the following non-electrified routes:

• Røros Line (Trondheim - Hamar)
• Meråker Line (Trondheim - Storlien)
• Rauma Line (Åndalsnes - Dombås), and
• Nordland Line (Trondheim - Bodø).

The contract will also include the operation of regional services in Trøndelag county.

The Railway Directorate says it expects services to be maintained at current levels as a minimum on all routes. However, the winning bidder will be expected to develop the Trønderbanen regional train offer and “establish an efficient, customer and market-orientated organisation that drives traffic.”

The chosen operator will also be required to test alternatives to diesel traction on at least one of the non-electrified routes.

The deadline for submission of bids is August 17 and the contract begins in December 2019.