Ahead of schedule and under budget – railway officially inaugurated

On 9 June, the new railway to Boden Industrial Park was officially inaugurated. The ceremony took place in bright sunshine before an audience of around one hundred people who had contributed to the project in various ways. The symbolic inauguration was marked by a locomotive rolling onto the new railway line carrying, among others, Boden Municipal Commissioner Béatrice Öman and Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson.

The need for a new rail connection became evident when Stegra selected Boden as the location for its establishment. At the same time, state infrastructure investments were delayed, while the project was too extensive for the municipality to finance on its own.

The solution was a public-private partnership (PPP). Polar Structure won the procurement process and is responsible for financing, construction and future operation of the railway. Together with the Municipality of Boden, the company formed Boden Järnväg AB, in which Polar Structure owns 91 percent and the municipality 9 percent.

History shows how quickly development can happen

In her inauguration speech, Béatrice Öman drew parallels to the Industrial Revolution and how rapidly society changed as new technologies and infrastructure emerged.

“We need to understand the pace at which development is happening today and recognise that there is much we can learn from history,” she said.

“What we are witnessing in Boden today is, in many ways, a new industrial revolution, where industry, infrastructure and community development are advancing simultaneously.”

Andreas Carlson, Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, took part in the inauguration ceremony from the locomotive cab.

A model for the rest of Sweden

Minister Andreas Carlson also highlighted Boden as an example of how major societal challenges can be addressed through new ways of working and strong collaboration.

“We need to think differently about infrastructure than we have in the past, and I believe many of the answers can be found here in Boden. That is why it is a great pleasure to be here today and inaugurate this railway,” said Andreas Carlson.

The railway project includes six kilometres of track, nine bridges and extensive earthworks. Construction was carried out by Peab together with its project partners.

By allowing design and construction to proceed in parallel, the project maintained a high pace and was completed one month ahead of schedule.

“Close collaboration and continuous dialogue have been the key success factors throughout this project. It is a model that can certainly be applied in many other locations across Sweden,” said Jesper Göransson, President and CEO of Peab.

Strengthening Boden’s future attractiveness

With the railway now in place, conditions for continued development at Boden Industrial Park and future business investments have been significantly strengthened.

“With all the development taking place here – not only within green industry but also within the defence sector – rail transport solutions are essential. This makes both the Boden Industrial Park area more attractive and strengthens Boden’s ability to attract additional companies and investments,” said Béatrice Öman.

The new railway is now a central part of the infrastructure surrounding Boden Industrial Park and a tangible example of how public-private collaboration can create the conditions for continued growth and development.

Béatrice Öman, Municipal Commissioner of Boden, offered a historical perspective on what she described as a historic day for the municipality.