Arlanda Rail Link demonstrates the strength of public-private partnerships
The Arlanda Rail Link is an example of how public-private partnerships can enable long-term investment in critical infrastructure. Through cooperation between the Swedish state, A-Train and Svensk Exportkredit, SEK, the project has contributed to an efficient, sustainable and competitive transport system with a strong foundation in the Swedish capital market.
Sweden is facing extensive infrastructure investment needs, not least in the railway system. Demand is high, while investment must compete with other important public expenditure. In this context, Svensk Exportkredit, SEK, wishes to highlight the importance of public-private partnerships, PPPs, as an important but still underutilised tool for delivering more infrastructure projects. As a state-owned company with a mandate to provide long-term financing on commercial terms, SEK is ready to play a more active role in the development of Swedish infrastructure.
A Swedish example of PPP in practice
The Arlanda Rail Link is one of Sweden’s most established examples of a public-private partnership. Each year, more than five million passengers travel by rail between Stockholm and Arlanda Airport. The infrastructure is owned by the state, while A-Train AB is responsible for making it available to travellers through the operation of the Arlanda Express.
Today, around a quarter of all journeys to Arlanda are made by rail, and a significant share of these are with the Arlanda Express. It offers a fast, reliable and fossil-free alternative that strengthens the attractiveness and accessibility of both the city and the wider region. Magnus Zetterberg, CEO of A-Train.
When the Arlanda Rail Link was built in the late 1990s, SEK was part of the consortium that financed the project. Around 25 years later, when A-Train invested in seven new electric multiple-unit trains, the company once again chose to work with SEK. This engagement forms part of SEK’s broader ambition to support investment in Swedish transport infrastructure and to contribute to a robust and sustainable transport system.
PPPs promote long-term value and quality
According to A-Train, public-private partnerships contribute to clear accountability, long-term perspectives and strong incentives to invest in quality. When the concession period ends, the infrastructure must be handed back in good condition, which encourages high standards in construction, operations and maintenance over time.
For Sweden, PPPs provide an opportunity to deliver more infrastructure projects in parallel, without requiring full financing directly from the state budget. This is particularly relevant at a time of growing demands on transport capacity, preparedness and resilient infrastructure. SEK sees a clear role in working together with private and public stakeholders to enable investments that strengthen Sweden’s long-term competitiveness.
PPP structures are a way to deliver infrastructure more quickly than is possible through the traditional route of state appropriations. Operational responsibility also creates incentives for efficient design, maintenance and cost control. Per Edlundh, Head of Project Finance at SEK.
Experience that supports future investment
In addition to the Arlanda Rail Link, SEK has experience from several international PPP projects, including three major road investments in Norway. Combined with a growing commitment to financing Swedish infrastructure, this provides a strong platform for contributing to more well-structured projects domestically.
The Arlanda Rail Link demonstrates that public-private partnerships are not only a financing model, but also a way to achieve faster delivery, high quality and long-term value in Swedish infrastructure.
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Per Edlundh, Director Export and Project Finance