Title: Northern Railway in Crisis: Polar Circle Council Demands Immediate Action From Authorities
The situation on Norway’s Nordlandsbanen continues to deteriorate, with bus replacements for trains persisting along the route. Despite a December 2nd request to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, no response has been received, according to the Polar Circle Council, a political cooperation body representing municipalities and county authorities along the railway.
The council, comprising the municipalities of Hattfjelldal, Hemnes, Lurøy, Nesna, Rana, and Træna, expressed grave concerns about the critical state of the railway. In a statement, they emphasized that the situation has worsened due to a lack of equipment and prolonged downtime, with train services already at a low ebb before the recent incident in Hemnes.
"Nordlandsbanen is in crisis," the council stated, highlighting that the suspension of night train services until 2025 leaves many without adequate transport alternatives, particularly in a region where flights are often full, and private cars are not always a feasible option.
The council understands that solutions may take time, but they urge authorities to prioritize the situation. They welcomed the ministry’s announcement of exploring a temporary solution through locomotive leasing but called for swift implementation to prevent further weakening of train services.
Nordlandsbanen is a vital link for commuters, freight, and patient transport, with many in the Helgeland region relying on trains to reach local hospitals and specialist healthcare services in Bodø. Its role becomes especially critical during winter, when E6 over Saltfjellet is often closed.
The Polar Circle Council demands a clear response from the Minister of Transport and Communications and calls for a meeting to discuss the situation.
