New battery-powered trains run on decaying tracks as region seeks state funding for repairs

A major renovation of the aging Vemb-Lemvig-Thyborøn railway line in western Jutland will cost nearly 1.75 billion Danish kroner, according to a new analysis—over four times the price of the line’s recently introduced battery-powered trains.

King Frederik inaugurated Midtjyske Jernbaner’s seven new battery train sets in Lemvig in December 2025, costing 400 million kroner. But an engineering report by Rambøll, commissioned by the regions of Midtjylland, Syddanmark, and Nordjylland, reveals that replacing the 57-kilometre track’s rails, sleepers, platforms, and other infrastructure will require 1.749 billion kroner between 2027 and 2040.

The upgrades include heavier rails and concrete sleepers to replace the current wooden ones. Martha Vrist, CEO of Midtjyske Jernbaner, acknowledged the line’s deterioration, noting that some sections of track are over 45 years old—exceeding the typical 40-year lifespan.

Region Midtjylland, the majority shareholder in Midtjyske Jernbaner, has no budget to cover the costs. Anders G. Christensen (V), chair of the regional council, called on the incoming government to prioritise funding, framing it as essential to preventing Denmark’s regional divide. The council will ask Danske Regioner to raise the issue with the new administration.