– I think that if Norway had a few tens of millions of inhabitants that we were going to transport on good routes, then we would also follow this track, Støre tells NTB.
He walked on Tuesday straight from a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and on board the bullet train, whizzing through the Chinese countryside between Beijing and Shanghai.
– Prime Minister Li informed me that his ambition is to create a train section that can exceed 600 km/h. I am a big supporter of trains, it is a suitable means of transport when there are many people who travel by it, says Støre.
Will do the right thing for Norway
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Støre describes the train trip to Shanghai as “a great experience”, but is not inspired to follow in China’s train tracks.
– I am inspired by seeing a country build the right projects for itself. What I am inspired by is trying to do the right things adapted to Norway. And then it’s about trains in the central areas, says the prime minister.
He points out that the government would rather focus on trains in the densely populated areas in its transport plan and build on what is already there.
Violent investment
Over the past two decades, China has built a network of over 40,000 kilometers of high-speed rail lines, which connect the major cities with trains at speeds of up to 380 km/h.
93 percent of cities with a population of over 500,000 are covered by the high-speed rail network, according to Newsweek.
The ambition is to build even more in the coming years.
The train Støre is on takes him from Beijing to Shanghai in just over 4 hours and 20 minutes, a journey that could previously take twice as long.
I don’t think it’s worth it between Bergen and Oslo
There is no market for something like this in Norway, believes the Prime Minister.
– It depends on you having a travel basis in passengers, which Norway does not have, he says.
– There are an enormous number of flights between, for example, Oslo and Bergen every day…
– I think most people have realized that the alternative of building this type of train between Oslo and Bergen does not make sense, neither for the climate nor for the economy, says Støre.
But he keeps the door slightly ajar for what might happen in the future.
– We have no plans for a train with 350 km per hour. But what the future may bring, where it is close to the population and possible, I will not rule that out, he says.
#Støre #lightning #trains #Norway
2024-09-13 09:28:06
Fast train norway
High-Speed Trains in Norway: Prospects and Challenges
Norway, known for its picturesque landscapes and efficient transportation systems, has been considering the development of high-speed trains to improve connectivity between its major cities. In a recent statement, Prime Minister Støre expressed his admiration for China’s ambitious high-speed rail network, but emphasized the need for Norway to focus on its own unique transportation needs.
Inspiration from China
During a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, Støre was impressed by China’s achievement in building a vast network of high-speed rail lines, covering over 40,000 kilometers and connecting major cities with trains at speeds of up to 380 km/h [[3]]. The Chinese government’s ambition to create a train section that can exceed 600 km/h is a testament to the country’s commitment to innovative transportation solutions.
Norway’s Transportation Priorities
However, Støre emphasized that Norway’s transportation priorities differ from those of China. With a smaller population and distinct geographic challenges, Norway needs to focus on developing train networks in densely populated areas, building on existing infrastructure. The government’s transport plan prioritizes investment in central areas, where trains can have the greatest impact on passengers and the environment.
Current State of High-Speed Trains in Norway
Currently, Norway has only one high-speed rail line, the 64-kilometer Gardermobanen, which connects Oslo Central Station and Eidsvoll via Oslo Airport [[2]]. While there are plans to develop new high-speed train lines, including a proposed route between Oslo and Bergen, which would reduce travel time to 2.25 hours [[1]], these projects are still in the development stage.
Challenges and Opportunities
The development of high-speed trains in Norway faces several challenges, including the country’s rugged terrain, harsh climate, and limited population density. However, the potential benefits of high-speed trains, including reduced travel times, increased efficiency, and environmental benefits, make them an attractive option for Norway’s transportation future.
while Norway can draw inspiration from China’s high-speed rail network, the country must prioritize its own unique transportation needs and challenges. By focusing on developing train networks in densely populated areas and building on existing infrastructure, Norway can create a more efficient, sustainable, and connected transportation system.
References:
[[1]]https://www.nordicmarketing.de/en/blog/new-high-speed-train-line-in-norway
[[2]]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-speedrailin_Norway
[[3]]https://www.scandictrains.com/norway-trains
norway high-speed rail map
High-Speed Trains in Norway: Prospects and Challenges
Norway, known for its picturesque landscapes and efficient transportation systems, has been considering the development of high-speed trains to improve connectivity between its major cities. In a recent statement, Prime Minister Støre expressed his admiration for