High-speed rail in Denmark

The Øresund Fixed Link has 200 km/h as permitted and used speed (by X 2000 only) on the bridge and the Peberholm island, since year 2000. This stretch has Swedish signalling system, considered easier to install and giving higher speed.

From 2007 to 2017 ICE TD high speed trains extended the German Intercity Express service into Denmark. Routes served were Berlin-Hamburg-Copenhagen and Berlin-Hamburg-Aarhus. The trains could reach high speed only on the Berlin-Hamburg section, and would continue on regular railway lines into Denmark.

File:Timemodellen.svg

{{Update|section|date=February 2024}}To bring the travel time between Copenhagen and Odense down to one hour, two works are planned:

• A new 200 km/h high-speed rail line between Copenhagen and Ringsted via Køge Nord, which opened in 2019.
• Upgrading the existing rail line between Ringsted and Odense via the Great Belt Fixed Link to 200 km/h, was said to be carried out in 2022.{{cite web |title=Banedanmarks Anlægsplan 2030 |url=https://www.bane.dk/da/Borger/Publikationer/-/media/D93AB7E0ACBE4C9FA6A808D372BC6C3B.ashx |website=bane.dk |publisher=Banedanmark |access-date=29 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429101419/https://www.bane.dk/da/Borger/Publikationer/-/media/D93AB7E0ACBE4C9FA6A808D372BC6C3B.ashx |archive-date=29 April 2020 |pages=26 |language=da |format=pdf}} This requires the ERTMS system which as of 2024 is planned to be installed on this stretch in two sections in 2027 and 2029.{{cite web |url=https://bane.dk/Borger/Baneprojekter/Signalprogrammet/Fjernbane |title=Fjernbanen Om fjernbanens nye signalsystem |date=2023-10-01 |publisher=Banedanmark |access-date=2024-03-01 |language=Danish }}

{{Update|section|date=May 2022}}Like the first stage of the Hour Model, the second one also consists of two works, both in planning:

• Upgrading the existing rail line between Aalborg and Hobro to 200 km/h, expected carried out in 2024.
• Upgrading and straightening of the existing rail line between Hobro and Aarhus. Expected to be carried out from 2021.{{cite web|title=Upgrading Aarhus-Hobro |url=http://www.bane.dk/visBanearbejde.asp?artikelID=15234 |publisher=Banedanmark |access-date=19 January 2013 |author=Banedanmark |language=da |trans-title=Opgradering Aarhus-Hobro |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123141852/http://www.bane.dk/visBanearbejde.asp?artikelID=15234 |archive-date=23 November 2012 }} The government plan of 1 March 2013 first mentioned the speed upgrade.{{cite web|title=Hour Model|url=http://www.trm.dk/~/media/Files/Publication/2013/Jernbanefond%20DK/Faktaark%20om%20timemodel.pdf|publisher=Danish Ministry of Transport|access-date=1 March 2013|author=Danish Ministry of Transport|language=da|date=1 March 2013|trans-title=Timemodellen|archive-date=26 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726054737/http://www.trm.dk/~/media/Files/Publication/2013/Jernbanefond%20DK/Faktaark%20om%20timemodel.pdf|url-status=dead}}

DKK 4.9 billion are reserved for second stage and remaining initiatives on first stage.{{cite web|title=Train Fund DK: Investments|url=http://www.trm.dk/~/media/Files/Publication/2013/Jernbanefond%20DK/Togfonden%20DK%20-%20investeringer.pdf|publisher=Danish Ministry of Transport|access-date=1 March 2013|author=Danish Ministry of Transport|language=da|date=1 March 2013|trans-title=Togfonden DK: Investeringer|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032937/http://www.trm.dk/~/media/Files/Publication/2013/Jernbanefond%20DK/Togfonden%20DK%20-%20investeringer.pdf|url-status=dead}}

The central stage of the Hour Model between Odense and Aarhus is considered the most complex and most expensive to complete. Therefore, this stage was not considered realizable before 2020, now 2030.{{cite web|title=Connections between West and East Denmark|url=http://www.trm.dk/~/media/Files/Publication/2011/Strategiske%20analyser/Rapporten%20i%20pdf%20-%20Forbindelser%20mellem%20Vest-%20og%20%C3%98stdanmark.pdf|publisher=Danish Ministry of Transport|access-date=19 January 2013|date=March 2011|author=Danish Transport Authority|language=da|trans-title=Forbindelser mellem Vest- og Østdanmark}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In March 2011, the Danish Ministry of Transport published a strategic analysis of new transport connections between Copenhagen and Aarhus, including two alternative strategies for fulfilling the Hour Model between Odense and Aarhus:

• The "Little Belt - Vejle Fjord" Alignment Alternative, including new high-speed rail lines between Odense and Middelfart and between Horsens and Aarhus, as well as bypasses around Fredericia (requiring new bridge across Little Belt), Vejle (requiring new bridge across Vejle Fjord) and Horsens. The bridge/tunnel across Vejle Fjord was abandoned in 2022.{{cite web|url=https://vafo.dk/vejle/ny-regering-ingen-tog-under-eller-over-vejle-fjord|title=Ny regering skrotter omdiskuteret bro-plan: Ingen tog under eller over Vejle Fjord|date=14 December 2022 |publisher=Vejle Amts Folkeblad}}
• The "Odense - Horsens" Alignment Alternative, a new high-speed rail line between Odense and Aarhus via Horsens, crossing Little Belt between Bogense and Juelsminde, either as a rail-only bridge or as a combined rail and road bridge.

The parts which have received the go-ahead so far are:

• The Vestfyn Line, a new high-speed line between Odense and Middelfart, connecting to the old Little Belt bridge. Designed for 250 km/h operation, and set to be built from 2023.{{cite news |title=Regeringen sætter 147 millioner af til vestfynsk jernbane - TV 2 |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2019-09-30-regeringen-saetter-147-millioner-af-til-vestfynsk-jernbane |access-date=29 April 2020 |work=nyheder.tv2.dk |agency=TV2 |date=30 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018220920/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2019-09-30-regeringen-saetter-147-millioner-af-til-vestfynsk-jernbane |archive-date=18 October 2019 |language=da-DK}} This new high-speed rail line will also enable journey times between Odense and Esbjerg of 1 hour.
• New line Hovedgård-Hasselager. Designed for 250 km/h operation. Basic plan approved, final alignment pending.{{cite web |title=Ny bane Hovedgård - Hasselager {{!}} Banedanmark |url=https://www.bane.dk/da/Borger/Baneprojekter/Kommende-baneprojekter/Ny-bane-Hovedgaard-_-Hasselager |website=websitebane.dk |date=2 October 2019 |publisher=Banedanmark |access-date=29 April 2020 |language=da}} In 2023 it was reported that there was no longer a political majority for the project.{{cite web|url=https://ing.dk/note/har-kostet-135-millioner-forberede-nu-er-der-ikke-laengere-flertal-togprojekt|title=Har kostet 135 millioner at forberede: Nu er der ikke længere flertal for togprojekt|date=23 January 2023 |publisher=Teknologiens Mediehus}}

The sections which are still pending approval are:

• Speed upgrades Fredericia-Vejle Fjord South.
• Speed upgrades Vejle Fjord North-Hovedgård.
• Speed upgrades Hasselager-Aarhus H
• New Vejle Fjord bridge, bypassing the city.

The Vejle Fjord bridge is the main reason for approval still pending, as there is strong local opposition to the new trains bypassing the city center.

Construction of the Hour Model will reduce the inter-city travel time as presented below:

Construction on the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link began in 2020, and the tunnel is to be completed by 2029. Preparatory works began at the ground of the future tunnel element factory.{{cite web |title=Flere Femern-arbejder i gang allerede i år {{!}} Femern Belt Development |url=https://femern.info/da/news/flere-femern-arbejder-i-gang-allerede-i-ar |website=femern.info |access-date=29 April 2020}} The rail part of the tunnel will be designed for 200 km/h operation.

The treaty between Denmark and Germany for construction of the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link includes hinterland projects in both countries. In Denmark, the existing rail line between Ringsted and Rødby is being expanded to double track and electrified, as well as upgraded to 200 km/h.{{cite web |title=Fehmarn Belt - Danish railway hinterland |url=http://www.bane.dk/visBanearbejde.asp?artikelID=10710 |publisher=Banedanmark |access-date=19 January 2013 |author=Banedanmark |language=da |trans-title=Femern Bælt - danske jernbanelandanlæg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123141932/http://www.bane.dk/visBanearbejde.asp?artikelID=10710 |archive-date=23 November 2012 }} The Storstrøm Bridge was originally supposed to remain as single track, however a political agreement confirms funding the design of a new combined rail and road bridge across Storstrømmen.{{cite web|title=Agreement on a new Storstrøm Bridge in the bag |url=http://www.trm.dk/da/nyheder/2013/aftale+om+en+ny+storstr%C3%B8msbro+i+hus/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322041626/http://www.trm.dk/da/nyheder/2013/aftale+om+en+ny+storstr%C3%B8msbro+i+hus |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 March 2013 |publisher=Danish Ministry of Transport |access-date=19 March 2013 |date=19 March 2013 |author=Danish Ministry of Transport |language=da |trans-title=Aftale om en ny Storstrømsbro i hus }} The railway on the new Storstrøm Bridge is scheduled to open in 2027.{{cite web |title=Storstrøm Bridge |url=https://www.vejdirektoratet.dk/projekt/storstroem-bridge |website=Vejdirektoratet |access-date=17 March 2023 |ref=3}}

With the opening of the fixed link, hourly Intercity-Express trains between Copenhagen and Hamburg will be introduced. The Travel time will be reduced from approx. 4,5 hours to less than 2.5 hours for the fastest trains.{{cite web |title=Fordelene ved Femern-forbindelsen |url=https://femern.com/~/media/Documentation/2018/April/Fordelene-ved-Femern.pdf?la=da |access-date=29 April 2020 |website=fermern.com |language=da}}{{dead link|date=September 2023}}

The fixed link, as well as the hinterland projects, are expected to be completed by 2029.

{{see also|Rail transport in Denmark#ERTMS rollout}}

Railways in Denmark use a system for cab signalling which is unique, but is based on the system in Switzerland. The system allows 180 km/h maximum speed in Denmark (200 in Switzerland). 5 km of the Øresund Line closest to the border uses Swedish signalling, and 200 km/h is allowed here (only SJ X2 trains reach this speed here), as the only railway in Denmark.

In order to allow modernization of the Danish railway network, Banedanmark are rolling out European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2 on all national rail lines between 2018 and 2030, a project called the Signalling Programme.{{cite web|title=Nye signaler på fjernbanen og S-banen|url=https://www.bane.dk/Borger/Baneprojekter/Signalprogrammet |publisher=Banedanmark |access-date=17 March 2023 |author=Banedanmark |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530012654/http://uk.bane.dk/visArtikel_eng.asp?artikelID=6090 |archive-date=30 May 2012 }} The project was tendered out in four contracts:

• National rail lines east of Little Belt Bridge, won by Alstom{{cite web |title=Contracts for rail signals of the future are finalized |url=http://www.bane.dk/visNyhed.asp?artikelID=15644 |publisher=Banedanmark |access-date=19 January 2013 |date=31 January 2012 |author=Banedanmark |language=da |trans-title=Kontrakter om fremtidens jernbanesignaler på plads |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123152701/http://www.bane.dk/visNyhed.asp?artikelID=15644 |archive-date=23 November 2012 }}
• National rail lines west of Little Belt Bridge, won by Thales-BBR consortium
• S-train signalling system (CBTC), won by Siemens{{cite web |title=Banedanmark and Siemens sign deal for new signalling system on the whole S-train network |url=http://www.bane.dk/visNyhed.asp?artikelID=14581 |publisher=Banedanmark |access-date=19 January 2013 |date=5 August 2011 |author=Banedanmark |language=da |trans-title=Banedanmark og Siemens underskriver aftale om nyt signal- system på hele S-banen |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123150240/http://www.bane.dk/visNyhed.asp?artikelID=14581 |archive-date=23 November 2012 }}
• On-board equipment, won by Alstom{{cite web |title=Danish trains get new signalling system |url=http://www.bane.dk/visNyhed.asp?artikelID=15955 |publisher=Banedanmark |access-date=19 January 2013 |date=14 March 2012 |author=Banedanmark |language=da |trans-title=Danske tog får nyt signalsystem |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123145640/http://www.bane.dk/visNyhed.asp?artikelID=15955 |archive-date=23 November 2012 }}

Most of the InterCity train traffic in Denmark is currently operated using the diesel powered IC3 stock. Only the main line between Malmö (Sweden) and Flensburg (Germany)/Esbjerg via Copenhagen, Odense and Kolding, as well as the spur between Tinglev and Sønderborg, the line between Copenhagen and Helsingør and the line between Ringsted and Næstved (part of the Fehmarn Hinterlands projects) are electrified. To replace the IC3 stock, operator DSB ordered 83 IC4 high-speed diesel trains (200 km/h operating speed) at AnsaldoBreda. Electrification of the main lines is appointed the solution to the future InterCity traffic.{{cite web|last=Tarp|first=David|title=Majority will head start electrification|url=http://www.b.dk/nationalt/flertal-vil-tyvstarte-elektrificering|publisher=Berlingske|access-date=19 January 2013|language=da|trans-title=Flertal vil tyvstarte elektrificering|date=16 November 2011}}

On 7 February 2012 a large majority in the Danish parliament reached a political agreement on electrifying the main line between Lunderskov and Esbjerg and produce a feasibility study for electrifying several other main lines.{{cite web|title=Wide agreement on electrification of the railway etc.|url=http://www.trm.dk/da/nyheder/2012/bred+aftale+om+elektrificering+af+jernbanen+mv/|publisher=Danish Ministry of Transport|access-date=19 January 2013|date=7 February 2012|author=Danish Ministry of Transport|language=da|trans-title=Bred aftale om elektrificering af jernbanen m.v.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201224225/http://www.trm.dk/da/nyheder/2012/bred+aftale+om+elektrificering+af+jernbanen+mv/|archive-date=1 February 2014|url-status=dead}} In the Finance Act of Denmark 2013, electrification of the railway between Køge North and Næstved are financed.{{cite web|title=Finance Act 2013|url=http://www.trm.dk/~/media/Files/Publication/2013/Finanslov%202013%20Pjece.pdf|publisher=Danish Ministry of Transport|access-date=1 March 2013|date=12 February 2013|author=Danish Ministry of Transport|language=da|trans-title=Finanslov 2013|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032336/http://www.trm.dk/~/media/Files/Publication/2013/Finanslov%202013%20Pjece.pdf|url-status=dead}}

On 1 March 2013, DKK 8.7 billion was reserved for electrifying the main lines Fredericia – Frederikshavn, Roskilde – Kalundborg and Vejle – Struer. The electrification will be completed no later than 2025.{{cite web|title=Electrification of the railway|url=http://www.trm.dk/~/media/Files/Publication/2013/Jernbanefond%20DK/Faktaark%20om%20elektrificering.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722093706/http://www.trm.dk/~/media/Files/Publication/2013/Jernbanefond%20DK/Faktaark%20om%20elektrificering.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 22, 2013|publisher=Danish Ministry of Transport|access-date=1 March 2013|author=Danish Ministry of Transport|language=da|date=1 March 2013|trans-title=Electrificering af jernbanen}}

In May 2015, an estimated DKK 2.8 billion deal was made.http://cphpost.dk/general/danishgerman-consortium-wins-huge-rail-electrification-bid.html{{cite web | url=http://www.siemens.com/press/en/pressrelease/?press=/en/pressrelease/2015/mobility/pr2015060240moen.htm | title=Press }}

In June 2021, DSB signed a contract with Alstom over the delivery of approximately 150, but at least 100, electric multiple unit trainsets of the type Alstom Coradia Stream.{{Cite web|title=Kontrakten om fremtidens tog underskrevet|url=https://www.dsb.dk/om-dsb/presse/pressemeddelelser/kontrakten-om-fremtidens-tog-underskrevet/|access-date=2022-01-04|website=www.dsb.dk}} They will be delivered starting 2027 and have a top speed of 200 km/h.{{Cite web|title=Coradia Stream {{!}} Fremtidens Tog|url=https://www.dsb.dk/om-dsb/baeredygtighed/coradia-stream/|access-date=2022-01-04|website=www.dsb.dk}}

The Talgo 230 cars that DSB have bought are also limited to 200 km/h.{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.dk/samling/20222/aktstykke/aktstk.115/aktstykke/1965845/2723653.pdf|title=Finansudvalget 2022-23 (2. samling)|publisher=Folketinget}}

Beside the Hour Model, additional high-speed rail lines in Denmark are discussed as a part of fixed link projects.

{{main|Kattegat Bridge}}

The strategic analysis of new transport connections between Copenhagen and Aarhus included a third alternative for decreasing the travel time between the two cities: a new fixed link across Kattegat. This requires a new high-speed rail line between Roskilde and Aarhus via Kalundborg and Samsø. This solution will lower the travel time between Copenhagen and Aarhus to one hour, but not affect the travel time between Odense and Aarhus.

Since 2008 a new fixed link across Kattegat has been discussed widely in Denmark, as a visionary expansion of the overall infrastructure in Denmark, and several analysis (both official and by lobbyists) have been published.

{{main|HH Tunnel}}

As connection to a second fixed link across Øresund between Elsinore and Helsingborg, wanted by the Swedish Government,{{cite web|last=Marfelt |first=Birgitte |title=Swedish Government wants two tunnels between Elsinore and Helsingborg |url=http://ing.dk/artikel/124040-svensk-regering-vil-have-to-tunneller-mellem-helsingoer-og-helsingborg |publisher=Ingeniøren |access-date=19 January 2013 |language=da |trans-title=Svensk regering vil have to tunneller mellem Helsingør og Helsingborg |date=11 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117063237/http://ing.dk/artikel/124040-svensk-regering-vil-have-to-tunneller-mellem-helsingoer-og-helsingborg |archive-date=17 January 2012 }} a new high-speed rail line might be constructed. Most studies are describing a new transport corridor around Copenhagen (Ring 5), while some transport researchers are suggesting a new high-speed rail line between Elsinore and Copenhagen along the current motorway.{{cite web|last=Nielsen |first=Otto Anker |title=Perspectives for large traffic facilities in the transport corridors, presently as well as further into the future |url=http://ida.dk/netvaerk/idaforum/U0649a/Documents/Pr%C3%A6sentationer%20fra%20afholdte%20m%C3%B8der/Fingerplanen%20og%20Transportkorridorerne%20%E2%80%93%20og%20Ring%205%20-%2013.4.2011/Trafikanl%C3%A6g%20i%20Transportkorridorerne%20-%20OAN.pdf |publisher=DTU Transport |access-date=19 January 2013 |language=da |trans-title=Perspektiver for store trafikanlæg i Transportkorridorerne, både aktuelt og længere ude i fremtiden }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

The development project Scandinavian 8 Million City has proposed a 360 km/h high speed rail line from Oslo via Gothenburg to Copenhagen, which is supported by the mayors of the three cities.{{cite web|title=Press announcement: Mayors demand common Scandinavian view |url=http://www.8millioncity.com/press/borgm%C3%A4stare-kr%C3%A4ver-skandinavisk-samsyn |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130410041116/http://www.8millioncity.com/press/borgm%C3%A4stare-kr%C3%A4ver-skandinavisk-samsyn |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 April 2013 |access-date=19 March 2013 |author=The Scandinavian 8 Million City |language=sv |trans-title=Pressemelding: Borgmästare kräver Skandinavisk samsyn |date=13 March 2013 }} The governments do not support the idea in the short or medium term, as they are assumed to pay for this more than €10 bn project.

The lines to Esbjerg and to the border at Flensburg are planned to be upgraded to 200 km/h most of their routes before 2030, mainly based on installation of ERTMS.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}}

• Transportation in Denmark
• Rail transport in Denmark

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{{High-speed rail}}