Proposal for New State-Owned Company to Compete with Trafikverket to Accelerate Swedish Infrastructure Projects

A recent government investigation has proposed the creation of a new state-owned company tasked with competing against Trafikverket, the Swedish Transport Administration, in constructing major road and rail infrastructure projects more efficiently and at reduced costs. This initiative is part of a broader effort to meet Sweden's growing transportation infrastructure demands and to tackle ongoing delays and cost overruns in current project deliveries.

Key projects highlighted for development under this new structure include stretches of the E4 highway in Norrland—specifically near Skellefteå—the Södertörn cross-connection in southern Stockholm, the Norrbotniabanan rail line, and a new double track between Hässleholm and Lund. Additionally, the Tomteboda rail yard in Solna and the Kongberget-Gnarp stretch near Sundsvall have been identified for potential management by the proposed company.

Claes Norgren, the investigator leading the proposal, emphasized the urgency of implementing changes to accelerate infrastructure development. Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson supports the proposal, aiming to deliver projects faster while ensuring better financial value for taxpayers.

However, the plan faces criticism. Daniel Helldén, spokesperson for the Miljöpartiet, argued that setting up a new state-owned company will not resolve fundamental issues. He instead advocates for splitting Trafikverket into two separate agencies, one each for roads and railways, with individual projects managed as independent companies, drawing on the example of the Botniabanan project.

Currently, Trafikverket manages large infrastructure projects based on government priorities, but its performance has been questioned due to persistent delays and budget overruns. The proposed competitive model aims to introduce efficiency and cost savings by diversifying management responsibilities.

The debate reflects a strategic crossroads in how Sweden might evolve its infrastructure project delivery to meet future demands, balancing reform within Trafikverket against establishing new state-owned competitors.