Train Alliance, where Polar Structure is a significant shareholder, has recently been awarded €28.7 million (approximately SEK 327 million) from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility. The grant funds SMARTCargo, a project aimed at strengthening the capacity and efficiency of Sweden’s railway network as part of the European TEN-T network.

SMARTCargo represents a total investment of €94.8 million, with the EU covering 30% of the cost and the remaining funding provided by Train Alliance’s own resources and, if needed, additional external financing. The project is designed to enable a shift from road transport to rail, which is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 11,000 tons per year at 60% utilization.

Establishment in Sigtuna
SMARTCargo will begin at Train Alliance’s site at Rosersberg’s Intermodal Terminal in Sigtuna, where the construction of 3,300 meters of new tracks and storage facilities is set to start in 2025. The project is targeted for completion by December 31, 2027, in accordance with EU requirements. It will help alleviate bottlenecks in the rail system and enable a tenfold increase in freight volumes transported by rail.

Enhanced Capacity for the Railway of the Future
SMARTCargo is part of a broader vision to strengthen railway capacity in Sweden. The project is expected to not only improve local transport infrastructure but also enhance the overall functionality of the TEN-T network. Train Alliance plans to implement similar solutions at other strategic locations in Sweden to further address bottlenecks and support a greener transport sector.

A Significant Recognition
“SMARTCargo is both a technical recognition and proof of the project’s strong benefit analysis,” says Otto Persson, founder of Train Alliance. “EU support makes it possible to implement the project with reduced risk and strengthens our ability to attract investors for future initiatives.”

The project is also part of a larger national vision where Polar Structure and Train Alliance collaborate with municipalities and ports to maximize the benefits of railway investments, such as the Sydostlänken between Älmhult and Karlshamn. These initiatives demonstrate how SMARTCargo is a key player in developing Sweden’s sustainable transport infrastructure.

For more information about the project, visit Train Alliance’s website.