Solør Line

The Solør Line (Norwegian: Solørbanen) is a 93.6-kilometer (58.2 mi) railway line that runs through district of Solør in Innlandet county, Norway. The line connects the Kongsvinger Line at Kongsvinger Station with the Røros Line at Elverum Station, running through the municipalities of Kongsvinger, Grue, Åsnes, Våler and Elverum. The standard gauge line lacks electrification and centralized traffic control; it is solely used by freight trains, mostly hauling lumber and wood chippings.

Proposals for a railway through Solør were first launched in 1857, but was not approved until 1890. Work commenced the following year on the section from Kongsvinger to Flisa, opening on 3 November 1893. The section from Flisa Station to Elverum was approved in 1894, but a dispute concerning the route postponed construction for thirteen years. The northern section opened on 4 December 1910. The Solør Line had a major impact on the area, leading to industrialization. Communities such as Flisa, Kirkenær and Roverud grew rapidly because they received stations.

Diesel multiple units were introduced from the 1930s. Passenger services were reduced in 1963 and were finally abolished in 1994. The line received upgrades to its permanent way in 1964 and 1993, and three lumber terminals were opened in 1987. Since 2012 the line has seen a dramatic increase in lumber traffic. There are proposals to electrify and centralize traffic control along the line.