The Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) has awarded two major construction contracts for the Eastern Link (Ostlänken), a planned high-capacity railway between Järna and Linköping.

The contract covering Vagnhärad has been awarded to Hochtief Infrastructure GmbH Germany Sweden Branch, while the Skavsta contract will be delivered by Bouygues Travaux Publics. Both are turnkey agreements covering around 60 kilometres of double-track railway, forming a substantial section of the 160-kilometre Eastern Link corridor.

Trosaån River Valley

© Trafikverket

The two procurements represent the first use of early supplier collaboration, known as Early Contractor Involvement (TLS), within the Swedish Transport Administration. Under this approach, contractors participate during the planning phase to provide technical input and practical experience intended to support delivery and reduce risk. A mandatory ten-day standstill period will apply before contracts can be formally signed.

Magnus Sjöberg, programme manager for Ostlänken, said:

This is a milestone for Ostlänken that brings us closer to the goal of enabling more, faster and smoother travel in the Stockholm/Mälardalen–Östergötland region. We have carried out the procurements efficiently and are now looking forward to good cooperation with our suppliers.

The Eastern Link forms part of Sweden’s national transport infrastructure plan, which combines investment in new railways and roads with programmes aimed at tackling maintenance backlogs.

The Vagnhärad and Skavsta contracts cover construction of embankments, bridges and tunnels along a route between Gerstaberg and Skavsta, passing through Södertälje, Trosa and Nyköping municipalities. The Vagnhärad section also includes a new travel centre. Both sections are scheduled for completion around 2035.

Once finished, the Eastern Link is intended to increase rail capacity, support regional commuting and contribute to wider goals on sustainable transport and regional development.

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