TRAIN maintenance issues are disrupting the Oslo - Stavanger Sørlands line operated by Go-Ahead Nordic. According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, around 42% of trains were cancelled in September and October 2025 and punctuality remains poor.
Rolling stock leasing company Norske Tog conducted an inspection of the 31 trains it leases to Go-Ahead in November 2025 and according to NRK discovered 83 serious faults including dust in electrical cabinets, surface cracks in hoses and broken windows temporarily covered in tape. Norske Tog also informed the Norwegian Railway Authority (SJT) about its findings.
Go-Ahead submitted a plan to rectify the faults to Norske Tog in December. One of the challenges facing Go-Ahead is its difficulty in obtaining spare parts, although it told NJF magazine that it is continuously working to find new and more robust solutions for access to spares.
“These conditions are prioritised and are being remedied,” Emil Eike, managing director of Go-Ahead Nordic, told NRK. “No train runs without safety being ensured. Safety is the first priority, always.”
According to NRK, train cancellations continued in January and February. However, the situation appears to be improving.
SJT conducted unannounced inspections of two trains in Oslo on February 12 and 13. NRK says it has received a copy of the preliminary report, which SJT sent to Go-Ahead. It reportedly finds that Go-Ahead is not violating the regulations.
Go-Ahead Nordic issued a press release in early March which said: “Over the past few weeks, we have reviewed all of the trains running on the Sørlands line, identified faults and carried out a large number of repairs and improvements. From Friday March 6 and throughout the weekend, we will increase the number of departures running on the Sørlands line.” However, it added that “some departures will still be cancelled” and passengers would be offered alternative transport.
