Historic Agreement Reached for Stockholm's Östlig Förbindelse Tunnel Project

The Swedish government has finalized an agreement with Stockholm city and Region Stockholm to move forward with the construction of the Östlig förbindelse, a major infrastructure tunnel connecting the northern and southern parts of the capital region. This project is estimated to cost 34 billion kronor and marks a significant political breakthrough after a long-standing dispute between the government and the local red-green administration that had previously opposed the initiative.

The agreement includes not only funding for the tunnel itself but also provisions to complete a new subway line and expand tram services in southern Stockholm, aiming to improve the city’s comprehensive public transport network. The government regards the agreement as historic and a major forward step in addressing the capital’s infrastructure needs.

Despite this progress, the regional authorities have criticized the deal, describing it as symbolic politics rather than a substantive solution. This indicates lingering political tensions, but the government remains committed, with plans to make a formal decision on the construction before the end of the year.

This breakthrough is viewed as a pivotal moment, potentially unlocking long-delayed infrastructure improvements that will shape Stockholm’s future connectivity and urban development.