Norway cuts 2026 rail investment framework from NOK 13bn to 10bn

Without funding Bane NOR can neither start nor continue projects and is stopping or postponing several expansion schemes without naming them; ongoing construction continues according to the softened statement. The cut is seen as running counter to the National Transport Plan 2025–2036.

The Norwegian government has cut the rail investment framework in the state budget from NOK 13 billion (2025) to NOK 10 billion (2026); on 3 March 2026 Bane NOR said it would therefore stop and postpone several expansion projects. Which projects are affected was left open; after a strong reaction the company withdrew the statement and replaced it with a milder version that confirms the reduced framework and says ongoing construction continues. A commentary in LOK Report sees a conflict with the National Transport Plan (2025–2036) and points to frequent, months-long line closures and permanent 20 km/h speed restrictions on the Sørlandsbanen between Kristiansand and Egersund. (LOK Report, 10 Mar 2026)