At the end of August 2025, a new segment of the Vestfoldbanen line opened in Norway to Drammen station, with upgraded infrastructure and enhanced conditions for passengers on a significant corridor for rail transport.

Norway modernized Drammen station and the Vestfoldbanen line
Photo: Bane NOR

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The project begun in 2019 involved the construction of a double-track section of about 10 kilometers. It featured a tunnel of around 7 kilometers in solid and loose formations. This increased reliability and safety in the movements of trains.

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Drammen station has been redeveloped in full. The platforms were raised by 40 centimeters to prevent flooding and six new tracks came into use. Roof-top solar panels now combine passenger comfort and energy efficiency in covered shelters.

The investments amount to around $1.2 billion. The experts are adamant that the costs are justified because the upgrades alleviate travel time, introduce services, and mitigate climate risk.

Norway solidifies the Vestfoldbanen line position

Bane NOR is expanding the railroad network even further. Currently, it is building another 13.6-kilometer long double track segment in the region around Tønsberg. The segment is to be finished in 2026 and will double track the entire corridor from Tønsberg to Oslo.

As a result, four times an hour will be the service frequency of trains running on an hour basis from Drammen to Tønsberg and from Tønsberg to Oslo. This will increase capacity, be advantageous to passengers in terms of convenience, and reduce pressure on highways.

Prioritising green transport in Norway

Rail projects are included in the nation’s sustainable development plan. Rail reduces emissions, boosts local economies, and offers an environmentally friendly choice over short-haul flights.

Therefore, the expansion of Drammen station and opening of the new Vestfoldbanen stretch are in alignment with long-term planning by Norway to improve rail connections. The moves strengthen the transport backbone and support long-term expansion of mobility.

What does the modernization of Drammen station in Norway include?

It constructed platforms, added six tracks, and integrated solar panels to improve both climate resilience and passenger comfort.

When will the Vestfoldbanen section be completed?

The work around Tønsberg is to be completed in 2026 so the entire Tønsberg–Oslo corridor is double-tracked.

Is Norway’s railway system considered environmentally friendly?

It reduces emissions and takes traffic off highways so it is amongst the least harmful transport systems in the country.

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