Construction of Stockholm's Barkarby Subway Line Halted Due to Severe Safety Violations

Work on the new Barkarby subway line in Stockholm has been stopped following the termination of the contract with Chinese contractor China Railway Tunnel Group (CRTG) due to severe and ongoing workplace safety violations. Region Stockholm ended its collaboration with CRTG as the hazardous conditions posed "immediate danger to life and health," forcing multiple work stoppages in 2026, despite previous warnings.

According to the expanded subway administration, inspections highlighted serious deficiencies including unsafe scaffolding, inadequate fire safety measures, blocked emergency exits, and insufficient fall protection. These issues reflect CRTG’s inconsistent and unreliable safety practices, which relied heavily on individual employees rather than a systematic approach. The Swedish Work Environment Authority had repeatedly criticized CRTG, and the company was fined last year following a serious workplace injury.

The construction union Byggnads, led by chairman Johnny Rindebrant, described the site as "completely life-threatening," stressing the grave risks faced by workers. Additionally, CRTG is under investigation for suspected human exploitation tied to troubling reports of significant company debt.

With CRTG and its subcontractors ordered to cease operations immediately, Region Stockholm aims to find new contractors to resume construction, though no timeline is yet available on how these setbacks will affect the overall project schedule. This incident marks a critical moment in one of Sweden's largest infrastructure projects, shining a spotlight on the importance of stringent safety oversight in major urban developments.