Dovrebanen, Norway’s primary rail artery connecting Oslo and Trondheim, was halted Sunday morning between Hamar and Tangen due to a ground fault, according to a statement released by Bane Nor, the Norwegian railway infrastructure manager. The disruption, reported at 7:00 a.m. Local time, impacts both passenger and freight traffic along a critical section of the line.
Bane Nor stated We see working to rectify the issue and expects to provide an update by 10:00 a.m. The precise nature of the ground fault remains unclear, but the incident underscores the vulnerability of the aging infrastructure on the Dovre Line. The line is a vital transport corridor, and disruptions frequently impact travel throughout central Norway.
This shutdown occurs as Bane Nor is undertaking a major upgrade project to double-track the Dovrebanen between Hamar and Oslo, aiming to increase capacity and reduce travel times. The project, extending 30 kilometers through Stange municipality and into Espern in Hamar, is currently slated for completion in 2032 – a delay from the original 2027 target. The delays are attributed to challenges related to construction over Åkersvika, according to Bane Nor’s project page. Work south of Ottestad is proceeding as planned, with a new Stange station expected in 2027, but all construction north of Ottestad has been paused pending a resolution to the issues at Åkersvika.
The Dovrebanen was previously disrupted in April 2025 following a rock and debris slide during excavation work for the double-tracking project near Tangen and Hamar. That incident involved a worker becoming trapped, though they were subsequently freed and assessed by medical personnel. The line remained closed for several days following the slide, as reported by Adresseavisen. The current closure, while attributed to a different cause, highlights the ongoing challenges associated with upgrading the railway while maintaining service.
The immediate impact of Sunday’s closure is felt by passengers and freight operators. Vy, the primary passenger rail operator, has warned of delays and potential cancellations. Bane Nor has not yet indicated the expected duration of the disruption, leaving travelers and logistics companies awaiting further information. The company’s next update, scheduled for 10:00 a.m., will be crucial in determining the extent of the service interruption and the timeline for restoring normal operations.
