Trafikverket Awards 60 km Ostlänken High-Speed Line Contracts

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – Trafikverket, Sweden’s transport infrastructure manager, has awarded two major design-and-build contracts for the Ostlänken high-speed line. Hochtief Infrastructure will construct the Vagnhärad section and Bouygues Travaux Publics will build the Skavsta section, covering a combined 60 km of the new railway. The total value for the 160-km Ostlänken project is estimated at €10.4 billion.

What Does This Contract Cover?

The two fixed-price, design-and-build contracts cover the construction of 60 km of new double-track railway between Järna and Skavsta. The scope includes all associated earthworks, embankments, bridges, and tunnels, as well as a new intermodal passenger travel centre at Vagnhärad. The individual values for the Hochtief and Bouygues contracts were not disclosed in the announcement.

Key Contract Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Contracts?

The procurement strategy reflects a trend in large-scale European infrastructure projects where work is divided into multiple significant packages. For comparison, the UK’s West Midlands region recently initiated a public sector construction framework valued at £3 billion (€3.5 billion) to appoint up to 20 contractors for various projects (Source: Construction News, 2024). Securing major international contractors like Hochtief and Bouygues also highlights the project’s complexity, demanding a skilled workforce on a scale that is challenging the entire European industry; the UK alone estimates an annual infrastructure workforce need of up to 697,000 people (Source: Railway Pro, 2024).

Editor’s Analysis

These contract awards solidify a key segment of Sweden’s high-speed rail strategy, moving a significant portion of the Ostlänken line from planning to execution. This investment aligns with a broader European focus on enhancing rail capacity and cross-border connectivity, a trend expected to accelerate with major new routes planned for 2026 (Source: Eurail, 2024). By creating a 250 km/h-capable corridor, Trafikverket is not only addressing domestic transport needs but also ensuring Sweden’s network is prepared for future integration with a more interconnected continental rail system.

FAQ

Q: What is the total cost and length of the full Ostlänken line?
A: The entire Ostlänken project consists of a 160-km double-track railway between Järna and Linköping. The total estimated cost is approximately €10.4 billion (SEK 110.3 billion).

Q: What are the expected travel speeds and when will the line open for passengers?
A: The new line is designed to allow trains to operate at speeds of up to 250 km/h. Following the current construction schedule, passenger services are planned to commence in 2035.

Q: How will the new line affect the environment?
A: Approximately 25% of the new line will be built on bridges or in tunnels. This technical approach is specifically designed to minimise the environmental footprint and better integrate the railway into the existing landscape.