A coalition of Swedish and Norwegian companies, municipalities and organisations have joined forces to make a direct appeal to their governments for immediate action to upgrade the Malmbanan railway line, also known as the Ore Line. This crucial infrastructure, which is crucial for the transport of iron ore and a variety of other goods ranging from fish and food to industrial inputs, is currently at breaking point due to its single-track limitation.
The signatories, including major stakeholders like LKAB, H2 Green Steel (H2GS), the Norrbotten Chamber of Commerce, and the municipalities of Luleå, Kiruna, and Narvik, have expressed their deep concerns over the railway's deteriorating condition and insufficient capacity. The Ore Line is not just a freight route, but a lifeline for the Scandinavian economies, supporting passenger traffic, growing tourism and being the only viable route for heavy goods transport in the region.
The call for an upgrade to a double-track system stems from the critical role this line plays in the regional economy. Stakeholders argue that the current state of the railway significantly hampers business operations, competitive positioning, and by extension, the welfare and GDP growth of Sweden and Norway. More than an economic issue, the inadequate railway infrastructure poses a threat to national preparedness and defense capabilities, highlighting the strategic importance of the Malmbanan. The upgrade would not only alleviate current logistical bottlenecks but also pave the way for a greener, more sustainable transport infrastructure, in line with the global push to reduce carbon footprints.
