The East Link, a new doubletrack railway
The East Link is an approximately 160 kilometre long stretch of new railway between Järna and Linköping. The new railway will contribute to better accessibility, shorter travel times and more trains arriving on time.
What?
The East Link is an approximately 160 kilometre long stretch of new railroad between Järna and Linköping. It is the first part of Sweden’s new main lines.
Why?
New main lines means higher capacity in the railway system, shortened travel times and more trains arriving on time. This, in turn, will result in bigger labour market regions, easier commuting and regional growth and development.
Now
Planning and project design is ongoing. We will start building the railway year 2024 and open for traffic in 2035.
About the Project
Both the West and the East main lines are already close to capacity, but the need for more trains is steadily increasing as more people want to travel by train and more goods needs transporting year by year. The East Link between Järna and Linköping will enable more people to travel by train and will free up capacity on the existing railways for freight and commuter trains.
More tracks for different speeds will lead to shorter travelling times, as well as punctual and reliable trains for travellers and for trade and industry. The East Link creates more sustainable travel and brings Sweden closer. It will give you a better chance of living, working and studying wherever you want to. It will also make it easier to choose to travel green.
Short facts about the East Link
- 160 km double-track mainline
- 3 counties (Stockholm, Södermanland and Östergötland)
- 5 municipalities (Södertälje, Trosa, Nyköping, Norrköping and Linköping)
- 5 new travel hubs (Vagnhärad, Nyköping, Skavsta, Norrköping and Linköping)
- 25 percent of the East Link will be built on bridges or in tunnels
- A maximum speed of 250 km/h
- Construction conducted 2024–2034
- Open for traffic in 2035
Films
On the Swedish Transport Administration’s YouTube channel you can watch informative films about different aspects of the project. Subscribe to our playlist!
The East Link playlist on YouTube
Time table
Here you can find information on what has already been done and where in the process we currently are.
2001–2010
The Swedish Transport Administration produced a pre-study for the East Link. The County Administrative Board in Södermanland, together with the Administrative Boards of Stockholm and Östergötland, found that the project will most likely have noticeable environmental impact.
2018
In 2018 the Swedish government decided to give the project permission to proceed, and established the corridor between Järna and Tallboda for the East Link.
2014–2023
Before we can begin the actual construction of the East Link we need to plan, conduct studies and investigations, and secure a number of permits. During this phase of the project we will produce Railway Plans, which is detailed descriptions of how the railroad will be built and designed. These plans also needs to contain environmental-impact assessments. An environmental-impact assessment describes the project’s likely impact on the environment, both during and after construction. We will also seek necessary permits for water operations and make sure that archaeological surveys are being conducted. All through the planning stages of the project we will consult stakeholders, people and businesses effected by the construction and completion of the new railway.
The East Link is divided into 13 separate Railway Plans.
2021–2023
Review is the final stage before the Railway Plan is approved. This means that the Railway Plans will be sent to stakeholders for remiss.
2020–2024
When the Railway Plans are approved all permits needed to build new railway are in place and construction can begin.
2024–2034
The East Link will be built in stages. Work will commence in the North, where we are furthest along in the planning process.
2035
The East Link open for traffic.