Strategies aiming to double Norwegian freight traffic

Freight traffic in Norway is on the increase with all operators reporting increasing demand signalling the need to run additional and longer freight trains. The Norwegian National Rail Administration, Jernbaneverket, is responding to this trend and proposes to double freight traffic by 2019 with a 90% punctuality rate, and to enhance capacity using terminal expansion and additional passing loops. A new terminal has recently opened at Ganddal near Stavanger and there are plans for upgrades at Alnabru near Oslo to construct a new loading yard as well as lengthen existing loading areas, building new track and realigning existing track. A distinct feature of Norway's rail freight is the high proportion of intermodal traffic which accounts for 85% of traffic tonnage, the remaining 15% is made up of wagonload and other bulk traffic.