The additional funds will support continuing development of track-doubling projects on the Follo, Østfold and Vestfold lines which have experienced cost increases.

However, track doubling of the Kleverud - Sørli section of the Dovre Line between Oslo and Lillehammer has been delayed until 2022, reducing expenditure by NKr 180m in 2020 and NKr 510m in 2021. Bane Nor says the scheme is set to be reconsidered to see whether it is more appropriate to track double the Kleverud - Sørli - Åkersvika line as a single project.

The result is that faster inter-city services will reach Hamar in 2028, two years later than planned. Planning of the Sørli - Åkersvika section will receive NKr 180m in 2020.

“It is clear that the railway sector is now facing a demanding economic situation due to increased costs this year on the Follo Line, Østfold Line and Vestfold Line,” says transport minister Mr Knut Arild Hareide. “We must prioritise these ongoing projects, but it will have divergent consequences for progress in other projects on the railway.”

In total, Bane Nor will allocate NKr 1.079bn to cover the increased investment expenditure as follows:

  • Follo Line - NKr 645m for currency expenses as the weak krone against the euro has resulted in additional costs, and NKr 100m for additional investment costs
  • Vestfold Line - NKr 134m - increased expenditure in 2020 will be covered by this increase in funding and shifting expenses to later years
  • Østfold line will receive NKr 200m to cover higher than expected supplier costs, and
  • Ringeriks Line double-track project’s allocation for planning has been cut by NKr 278m to NKr 250m, with less funds now available for land acquisition and archaeological excavations this year than expected. A further decision on investment in the project is expected in 2021.

“The coronavirus pandemic has provided a demanding financial situation for the country, so we are very pleased to receive extra funding to keep full pressure on all construction projects underway,” says Bane Nor CEO, Mr Gorm Frimannslund.