The case in summary: The night trains on the Nordlandsbanen have been canceled indefinitely due to a lack of locomotives. Alternative transport will not be set up and the setting will in any case last for the rest of the year. The shortage of locomotives is due, among other things, to an accident in October, as well as the need for maintenance of older locomotives. SJ is working to find alternative solutions, including renting locomotives, but does not expect to have a solution in place this year. The section between Bjerka and Mo i Rana will be opened in week 48 at the earliest. SJ has previously addressed the need for new trains on the Nordlandsbanen, with plans to phase in new long-distance trains first in 2029. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAI. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. Due to a lack of locomotives, SJ will only run day trains on the Nordlandsbanen. The night trains are canceled in their entirety, without alternative transport. – This is very regrettable, and we understand the frustration of our travellers. That’s what Randi Ness, director of communications and government relations at SJ Norge, says. The reason for the suspension is due to a lack of locomotives, which means that SJ does not have the capacity to maintain both day and night running without the supply of new locomotives. Randi Ness, director of communications and government relations in SJ Norway. Photo: SJ Norge The locomotive shortage is due, among other things, to the accident on 24 October at Bjerka, which put a locomotive out of service. In addition, the older locomotives need frequent and extensive maintenance. Working with solutions According to SJ Norge’s head of operations and safety Steinar Olsen, the trains will be canceled at least until the end of the year. – We had to make that choice in order to notify customers who are affected at Christmas, so they have time to make rebookings, says Olsen. The train company is working hard to find alternative solutions, says Olsen. Photo: Thomas Sætveit Jensen / TV Klipp SJ is in contact with several suppliers and Norske Tog to find a solution to the locomotive shortage. – We are working on getting locomotives leased. We have come a long way. It is difficult to say a date for when things will be in place. There are some technical modifications that must be adapted for the locomotives to run on passenger trains. In addition, SJ’s employees must receive training in the new locomotives. – We probably won’t get a solution in place during 2024, we won’t get it done that quickly. Changes must be made to the locomotives to get them into passenger trains. The section between Bjerka and Mo i Rana will be opened in week 48 at the earliest. That is Monday 25 November. Before the section can be opened, damage to and from the tracks must be cleared and repaired. In addition, race protection must be completed, Bare NOR writes on its website. A problem for a long time Train trouble and a shortage of locomotives is a well-known problem on the Nordlandsbanen. Earlier this year, three out of five diesel locomotives on the 726 kilometer long train line were undergoing repairs. At the time, SJ did not have enough trains to carry out the departures and therefore prioritized the day trains. The locomotives that SJ uses on the route are around 40 years old. – There has been a problem with the locomotives for a long time. The locomotives are beyond their technical lifespan and require major overhauls and maintenance to keep them in operation. According to Ness, SJ Norge has repeatedly raised the need for new trains on the Nordlandsbanen. – New long-distance trains are planned to be phased in only in 2029, so it is important to try to find a solution until these are in place. We are now working together with the Norwegian Railway Directorate and Norske Tog to look at possible solutions to this situation, and will return with more information as soon as possible, says Randi Ness. news has sent questions to the Ministry of Transport, but has not yet received an answer. Published 19.11.2024, at 17.21 Updated 19.11.2024, at 19.34
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SJ cancels the night trains Nordlandsbanen indefinitely – news Nordland
