Sweden’s base industries – from mining and steel to forestry – rely on efficient and sustainable transport to remain competitive. Strengthening the country’s rail infrastructure is essential to securing the long-term success of these sectors and maintaining Sweden’s role as a global industrial leader.

A necessary priority

Given Sweden’s unique geography and industrial base, rail is not merely an alternative – it is a necessity. Iron ore from Norrbotten, steel from Bergslagen, and timber from Värmland are examples of raw materials that not only underpin Sweden’s prosperity but also play a vital role in the global green transition. These flows require infrastructure that can meet both today’s and tomorrow’s demands for capacity, reliability, and energy efficiency.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite its potential, Sweden’s rail system faces significant challenges. Capacity shortages, deferred maintenance, and bureaucratic structures continue to hold back freight development. At the same time, there are concrete measures that can quickly improve the situation. Longer and faster trains, more modern wagons, and digitalisation of the railway network are steps that would give industry better access to markets while reducing the transport sector’s climate impact.

Investments are also needed to enable longer train sets and improve flexibility. The Malmbanan line is a clear example – as one of Sweden’s most vital industrial arteries, it requires both maintenance and capacity upgrades to continue delivering value to the nation.

Partnerships that drive change

To address these challenges, new ways of thinking are required. This is where public-private partnerships (PPP) can play a decisive role. Polar Structure is already working to enable projects that strengthen Sweden’s infrastructure. One example is in Boden, where Polar Structure, in partnership with the municipality, is helping secure both rail and road investments that support the region’s rapidly growing industries.

Private actors have both the capacity and the willingness to act as catalysts for critical projects. Through efficient collaboration models, we can unlock resources and ensure that investments are made where they are needed most – with Swedish industry and competitiveness in focus.

The future starts now

If Sweden is to remain a leading industrial nation, clear prioritisation of railway infrastructure is essential. This is not only about meeting today’s needs, but about creating the conditions for future growth and transformation. Rail is fundamental to strengthening Sweden’s position in the global market – and a key to achieving both economic and climate goals.

Polar Structure is ready to contribute with solutions that combine stable financing models, strategic partnerships, and long-term development. Together, we can ensure that Sweden’s railways continue to support and strengthen Swedish industry.

Learn more about selected railway projects:

Boden:

• Infrastructure corridor in Boden (in Swedish)

• One of Sweden’s fastest new railways is being built in Boden (in Swedish)

Sydostlänken:

• The collaboration around Sydostlänken is evolving (in Swedish)

• Working together to unlock Sydostlänken’s potential (in Swedish)

• Unique collaboration to maximise the benefits of the new Sydostlänken railway project

Maintenance depots for Siemens:

• Agreement for a new locomotive workshop (in Swedish)