Denmark to proceed with Aarhus-Silkeborg railway despite rising costs

Danish Minister for Urban Affairs, Rural Affairs and Transport, Signe Munk, has guaranteed the implementation of a new direct railway between Aarhus and Silkeborg, despite significant cost increases. The project, part of the 2021 Infrastructure Plan 2035, was initially estimated to cost approximately 2.7 billion DKK, but recent assessments by Banedanmark suggest the price has risen to between 5.1 billion and 6.6 billion DKK.

The new 30-kilometer track is designed to run via Galten rather than through Skanderborg, providing a more direct route. The project aims to utilize battery-powered trains capable of speeds up to 160 km/h. This infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce travel times between the two cities from the current 40 minutes to approximately 15–17 minutes.

While the budget escalation has drawn criticism and skepticism from political figures, including members of the Venstre party who suggested alternative transport like rapid buses, Minister Munk maintains that the project is a binding political agreement that must be fulfilled.