Freight Strategy Study for Combined transport in Norway

Bane NOR is evaluating infrastructure improvements planned for 2033 to increase combined freight traffic on Norway’s main railway routes.

The trenolab team contributed to this plan by supporting Bane NOR in identifying the most effective infrastructure investments in the existing network for the development of the long-term freight strategy. The impact of the combined transport infrastructure improvement package spans four key railway lines: Oslo-Narvik via Sweden, Oslo-Trondheim, Oslo-Bergen, and Trondheim-Bodø.

The trenolab team identified the final configuration by developing multiple timetable scenarios based on daily freight demand projections for 2033 and Bane NOR’s indications regarding potential infrastructure improvements. Operational analysis pinpointed necessary investments, including new and extended passing sections and additional block signals. It also assessed the operating costs and service quality impacts of various infrastructure investments. This informed a cost-benefit analysis performed by Bane NOR to identify the most advantageous alternatives. Finally, proposed alternatives underwent verification through microscopic simulation, with resulting capacity utilization estimated using TRENOplus.