Infrastructure decisions leave many questions unanswered
The government is now making a decision to speed up work on improving the infrastructure in the north. That was the announcement from Minister of Infrastructure Andreas Carlson (KD) in connection with a NATO ceremony in Boden this week. But after taking note of yesterday's government decision, Region Norrbotten has more questions than answers.
The Swedish Transport Administration is indeed tasked with prioritizing capacity-increasing measures on the railway between Luleå and Kiruna. However, it is clear from the decision that no new money will be allocated, nor may the prioritization lead to infrastructure projects in other parts of the country being downgraded.
– In what way is it a priority?, asks regional councilor Anders Öberg (S).
The decision It's just about the Swedish Transport Administration getting the go-ahead to start working on the measures they previously proposed. And that doesn't include double tracks on the Malmbanan line, but maintenance and more junction tracks.
“Only double track provides robustness”
– Although double tracks increase the capacity of the Malmbanan railway, which is long-awaited. But only double tracks provide the robustness that our society now needs. It is not only about the needs of the business community, but also about the defense sector, so that we can secure deliveries of food and other important goods in the event of war or crisis, says Anders Öberg.
The decision also instructs the Swedish Transport Administration to investigate financing solutions. However, the Swedish Transport Administration has already done so. As recently as last fall, the authority proposed loan financing.
– The Swedish Transport Administration cannot do more. The infrastructure needs in northern Sweden have already been thoroughly investigated. The ball is in the government's court.
The North Bothnia Line is missing
It is also worrying that the Norrbothnia Line is not mentioned at all in the decision.
– The coastal stretch Umeå-Luleå is one of the country's most densely populated regions, with two universities and many exporting companies. It's actually completely crazy that it's not already possible to travel by train between the cities. If the Norrbothnia Line is not included in this decision – when will there be a decision? Anders Öberg wonders.
Text: Sara Stylbäck Vesa
