High-speed rail in Norway

On the one hand this causes problems filling up trains, especially compared to other European projects and will give difficulties reaching necessary passenger numbers.

On the other hand, Norwegians travel considerably more long-distance than other Europeans, for instance three of Europe's 11 busiest air routes are within Norway.

If there is a decision to really build new long-distance high-speed lines it will represent a big change in national transport policy.

According to the report, the lines are assumed to be single-track railways, with up to 4% grade, dedicated to high-speed passenger trains with a 250 km/h (155 mph) maximum cruise speed.

The feasibility study has suggested that a passenger count of 5000 per day per line could be expected if rail is competitive with air travel.

It will, however, be hard to get below three hours from Oslo to Bergen or Trondheim on single track, as meeting trains will be very sensitive to delays.

Since these railways would be high-speed only, the passing loops need only to be 30 minutes travel time (80–100 km) apart (assuming one train per hour per direction).

Though the initiative to the analysis itself is an evidence of a promising political climate for high-speed railways, the analysis has been heavily criticized for not being done by a recognised competence in this area, for being based on inaccurate facts, and for using gross miscalculations of important data, like potential passenger numbers and potential costs of building new high-speed tracks.

[clarification needed] Mainly these criticisms are from lobbyist organisations which prefer railways to Bergen and Ålesund, which has been seen as too expensive by VWI.

The study highlighted the route would require significantly less tunnelling compared to alternative options (Gudbrandsdal & Rondane), reducing overall costs and construction time while having the least environmental impact.