On Thursday, the Folketing will first consider a bill that kicks off the work to make the Øresund railway ready for the expected increase in train traffic when the five-way connection is scheduled to open in 2029.
Three projects for DKK 1.2 billion
The upgrade of the Øresund Railway is part of the government’s Infrastructure Plan 2035, which overall will cost over DKK 160 billion. In the first instance, however, the Folketing must “only” take a decision on the issuance of around DKK 1.2 billion for three specific projects.
Copenhagen Airport Station is to be expanded for DKK 600 million. A turnpike is also to be established at the same location, and this will amount to DKK 300 million. The last DKK 341 million in the bill on upgrading the Øresund railway must be used to establish an overtaking track at Kalvebod.
Expropriations, noise and compensation
The bill authorizes any expropriations and necessary wiring works. In addition, it gives the Minister of Transport powers to derogate from current regulations on noise and vibrations.
The bill proposes that compensation can be paid to companies and citizens who are inconvenienced by the project.
After the first reading, the bill will proceed to the Norwegian Parliament’s transport committee for further evaluation, before being returned to the Norwegian Parliament for second and third reading.
Train traffic tripled
The Øresund Bridge Konsortiet already announced in January 2023 that it expects train traffic across the Øresund to triple when the Fehmarn Tunnel opens.
Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen (V) also emphasized, when presenting the bill, that there is momentum in the Danish infrastructure projects.
“Significant consequences”
“… a lack of implementation or a delay will entail significant traffic and socio-economic consequences, as we are talking about the construction of projects on an international rail corridor that connects Scandinavia with the rest of Europe. If the expansion of Copenhagen Airport Station is delayed, it will also entail a risk that the project will not be completed by the opening time of the Fehmarnbelt connection,” it states, among other things, in the written presentation of the bill.
However, the turning track at Copenhagen Airport Station has already been postponed to “a later date”, but is nevertheless included in the bill, so that it can be implemented when a decision is made about it.
