Norway plans new Rikstunnel under Oslo for completion in 2052

Announced on 16 April 2026: in a public transport study for eastern Norway, the Railway Directorate (Jernbanedirektoratet) recommended a new Rikstunnel from Oslo S to Lysaker that can be finished in 2052 at the earliest; planning is to start soon. The tunnel is meant to double track capacity through Oslo and allow 30 to 40 per cent more trains at peak times (today 24 trains per hour in each direction); it comprises a new double-track line for regional trains via the National Theatre with two new station halls, the rebuilding of Lysaker, a third track to Stabekk and an extension of the Bestum turnback facility. Costs are estimated at NOK 66.7 billion (EUR 6.05 billion, 2024 level) and the net benefit per budget krone at minus 0.56; the schedule foresees a pre-project from 2027, external quality assurance in 2038, construction from 2042 and completion in 2052, and priority over projects in other parts of the country is politically contested. The date is a placeholder: only the year 2052 is given for completion. (LOK Report, 16 Apr and 23 Jul 2026)