On 15th January 2024, the Swedish transport authority Trafikverket presented a strategy paper to serve as the basis for the country's long-term infrastructure planning. The paper, which is based on an intermodal analysis and covers road, rail, air, and maritime transport, was ordered by the government and is intended to define the financial framework and prioritisation of measures in the area of state transport infrastructure for a future infrastructure act. The document emphasises the need to prioritise maintenance over new investments and to take measures to overcome external challenges and take advantage of modernisation opportunities. It also identifies various options for strengthening cost control. Trafikverket points out that the accessibility of the transport system can be improved by making more efficient use of the infrastructure and by exploiting the opportunities offered by electrification, digitalisation, and automation. Further rapid electrification is especially important to achieve the climate targets in the long term. The strategy paper will now be forwarded to authorities, regions, and industry, as well as interest groups for external consultation.
