Negotiations for new train plan derailed

Disagreement over new light rail line brings negotiations to a halt

Jan 14, 2014

Negotiations between the government and Dansk Folkeparti (DF) over a new 28.5 billion kroner fund to upgrade Denmark's rail infrastructure broke down last night.

The government, DF and Enhedslisten have already agreed to finance the fund by harmonising tax rules for North Sea oil companies, but how the money is spent is still up for discussion.

According to TV2 News, DF pulled out of the negotiations after presenting a last minute demand for a light rail line in Vejle.

Important and ambitious plan
"I am really sad about it. It looks as though DF is teasing us," Transport Minister Pia Olsen Dyhr (SF) told TV2 News.

MP Rasmus Prehn (S) was also disappointed by the development.

"This is such a big and important deal that we cannot continue messing about in details. DF shouldn't be allowed to scupper this important and ambitious plan," Prehn said.

Unhappy about new bridge
The major focus of the plan is to speed up rail transport between Denmark's major cities and save commuters over nine million transport hours a year by 2025.

The plan will require the railways to be electrified and for new lines to be built, but also requires a new train bridge over Vejle Fjord.

DF has objected to the bridge and now wants a light rail connection from Vejle to Billund Airport as compensation.

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