Swedish rail operator SJ has said it will no longer be able to launch fast services between Stockholm and Oslo later this year because of planned engineering work.
SJ had planned to begin X2000 services between the Swedish and Norwegian capitals in August. In a statement, the operator said it was surprised to learn that Norway’s infrastructure manager Jernbaneverket is now planning to carry out a major replacement of the catenary along the route.
Tickets have been on sale for the new service, which would cut the journey time between Stockholm and Oslo from six to four-and-a-half hours, since April 29.
From June 2016, the route linking Lillestrom, Kongsvinger and the Swedish border will be closed from 09.00 to 14.00 Monday to Friday and 04.00 to 14.00 on Sundays. The programme is expected to run for around two-and-a-half years
Currently 1.4 million passengers fly between the two cities. SJ believed the faster services would have resulted in a 20 per cent increase in traffic along the corridor.
SJ chief executive Crister Fritzson said: “The news is surprising because we have had a constructive dialogue with all stakeholders throughout the long planning.
“Everyone knows that SJ’s high speed train investment has meant expensive vehicle investments and increased production costs.
“The announcement comes unexpectedly for both the Norwegian and Swedish customers who already bought tickets.”
