First BEST phase on the North Bothnia Line

The North Bothnia Line is one of Sweden’s largest infrastructure projects and will strengthen transport capacity along the northern coast. As the first BEST phase of the new railway, NYAB is responsible for constructing the railway infrastructure between Umeå and Dåva, an important milestone in the development of the future line.

The contract covers several disciplines that must be coordinated to create a reliable and future-proof railway. The works along the 11 km route include the construction of the railway infrastructure, from sub-ballast and railway ballast to track, overhead line equipment, telecommunications systems and ducting. Once completed, the new railway will enable rail transport between Umeå Freight Yard and Dåva.

One of the most complex parts of the project is the work inside the Ersmark Tunnel. Here, multiple contractors and technical disciplines must work simultaneously within a limited timeframe, placing high demands on planning, logistics and coordination. Within the 1,600-metre-long tunnel, many activities need to be carried out in parallel, making logistics a critical part of successful project delivery.

The project is being carried out under stringent sustainability and reporting requirements. Climate targets linked to zero-emission vehicles and renewable fuels are continuously monitored through digital delivery records in accordance with the BEAst standard, providing clear oversight of the project’s climate performance.

The contract demonstrates NYAB’s ability to deliver complex railway infrastructure projects where multiple technical disciplines must work together to create a fully functioning railway system.