Odense light rail expansion may cost over 1 billion kroner more than expected

Expanding Odense’s light rail system could cost 1.2 billion kroner more than initially budgeted, according to figures presented at a press briefing on Wednesday, DR reports.

Odense Letbane outlined five possible scenarios for the second phase of the network, which will run northeast from the city centre through Vollsmose to Seden. The preferred option includes purchasing 15 new, longer 40-metre train sets, pushing the total cost to nearly 3 billion kroner—1.2 billion kroner above the 1.7 billion kroner already allocated.

City councillor Lars Christian Lilleholt (Venstre) said the additional cost came as a surprise. “I struggle to see where we’ll find that money,” he said, adding that existing bus services in the city already face significant challenges.

Mayor Peter Rahbæk Juel (Social Democrats) acknowledged the high cost but argued the investment would be justified if funding could be secured. “We know that building the light rail attracts other investments, like in Vollsmose, where investor interest depends heavily on the rail connection,” he said.

The final decision on the expansion model rests with Odense City Council, though no date has been set for a vote.

The first phase of the Odense light rail, a 14-kilometre line with 26 stops connecting Tarup to Hjallese, opened in 2022. The second phase is not expected to begin passenger service before 2032.