The investigation has been carried out by the consulting company WSP on behalf of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce. WSP has investigated which investments need to be made within the Swedish transport infrastructure and which socio-economic effects the investments may have.
The defense committee and security policy experts have identified six specific transport routes that are central to integrating Sweden into NATO’s defense planning.
– Our estimates show that it is about investments in the order of SEK 111 billion, says Carl Bergkvist, chief economist of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, to TV4 Nyheterna.
“Prestige projects need to be removed”
This involves, among other things, upgrading road and rail connections between Stockholm and Oslo for up to SEK 57 billion. You also need to electrify the Inlandsbanan, which runs between Kristinehamn and Gällivare, for just over 31 billion. The Malmbanan, which runs between Luleå and Narvik, also needs to be upgraded for almost 7 billion.
The Chamber of Commerce also assesses that the E22 between Malmö and Norrköping as well as the road and rail between Trondheim and Sundsvall need to be upgraded.
The Chamber of Commerce’s report comes before an infrastructure bill of almost 1,200 billion to be put on the Riksdag’s table – the largest in 15 years according to the government. But according to Carl Bergkvist, the money only covers already decided investments.
– There is no room for new ventures. There are definitely bragging and prestige projects that need to be removed. They add no benefit to society, says Carl Bergkvist.
Great socio-economic benefit
The measures that the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce now advocates would not only help Sweden integrate into NATO’s defense planning. They would also generate new jobs and large profits for Sweden, which are estimated to amount to SEK 129 billion.
– It would be a win-win for society to proceed with many of the NATO investments that are now required, says Carl Bergkvist.
Where is the profit?
– They are of economic benefit to society. It is about everything from shorter journey times to lower emissions and higher traffic safety and more.