Sweden is a vast country. A nation which heavily depends on its export industry. One of its main challenges has always been overcoming long distances. But thanks to an efficient infrastructure, modern business environment, and a spirit of innovation Sweden is now booming.

We want to redesign the Swedish map and shorten the distances along the strategically important and expansive east coast north of Stockholm. We want to create a sustainable rail network which will help to connect the extensive east coast north of Stockholm to the rest of Europe. We want to make it easier for people to be able to choose where to live and where to work. We want visitors to be able to see more parts of Sweden. And by building this double-track rail way, people will be able to do so safely, reliably, and in an environmentally friendly manner.

The goal is to have the railway completed by 2030. But for this to happen, the requisite decisions must be made no later than spring 2018.

Expanding the 270 kilometer long single-track railway to a double-track railway would allow for an increase from a mere 70 trains a day to well over 200, integrating it fully with the already existing state-of-the-art Bothnia line to the north of Sweden.

It would provide a reliable and safe way of delivering goods to the rest of Europe, vital for the future growth of the European economy. And at the same time relieving the E4 highway of over 1500 carbon dioxide emitting trucks — every day!

Double tracks bring cities together

In addition to the increase in transportation capacity, the expected travel times would be cut by half. With the double-track railway in place you would be able to travel from Stockholm to Sundsvall in just two hours, compared to four hours at present. This would help bring the already expanding cities along the East coast closer together, thereby expanding the area where people work and in turn change how they do business.

The tourism in Sweden is a growing export industry. More and more Europeans are interested in exploring Sweden’s unique landscape and our active and environmentally progressive lifestyle.

Since 2000, the total export revenue from tourism has increased by 194 percent, which is more than three times as much compared to the domestic tourism.

Among some of the growing attractions we have the Arctic Mountain landscape in the north of Sweden, clean, crystal clear lakes and charming cities like Härnösand and Hudiksvall.

The north of Sweden has the potential to attract even more European tourists. With a double-track railway between Gävle and Härnösand visitors can board a comfortable train at Stockholm Central Station or Arlanda Airport and within a few hours they could experience the breathtaking High Coast north of Sundsvall, the highest coastline in the world.

For Sweden to continue to grow and develop as a country trade and communication are essential. In addition a close connection with Europe is vital in order for innovation and inspiration when developing new ideas.

In return, Sweden has a lot to offer. A part from the natural resources such as iron and the high quality forest industry, Sweden is also a heaven for tech start ups. In 2017 Sweden topped the Forbes list of Best Countries for Business, partly thanks to the young, innovative music and gaming industry. It is a country that offers a great place for businesses and people to grow and develop.

One of Sweden’s biggest issues is the distance from north to south – 2000 kilometers. In order to continue to be a contributor in making Europe a modern, flourishing, sustainable and well connected society we rely on green, efficient transportation to bring us together.

By building a double-track railway on the East Coast Line we are definitely taking a step in the right direction. We think it is a win-win solution where we have the opportunity to give people and companies not just from Sweden, but also from the rest of Europe the possibility and flexibility to choose how to and where to live, work and do business.