He says that this has since been worked on at an official level.
Important for preparedness
The work on the Iron Ore and Ofoten Line is considered especially important in a preparedness context.
For example, the derailments affect logistics in connection with the Nordic Response exercise.
“When we started the work with a national transport plan, public security, preparedness, and defense were an important part of the commission,” says Nygård.
Full throttle
When the derailment happened in December last year, Nygård quickly contacted his Swedish colleague to ensure that the Swedish side was going “full throttle on this.”
“And they were. The reopening was delayed, and we have not had any direct contact at the official level regarding the latest incident. But I know they are working to reopen on March 7th, which is soon.”
What do you think about the sabotage theory of the Swedish police?
“I have no basis to speculate on that. The police investigation must clear that up. I know nothing more than what I have read in the newspaper.”
In what way have Finland and Sweden’s NATO memberships affected the process?
“It has strengthened the public security and preparedness perspective and how important east-west connections between our countries are,” concludes transport minister Jon-Ivar Nygård.
High North News is an independent newspaper published by the High North Center at Nord University in Bodø, Norway.
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