Jernbanedirektoratet

Jernbanedirektoratet, or the Norwegian Railway Directorate, is a government agency under the Norwegian Ministry of Transport. It serves as the regulator and supervisory authority for rail transport in Norway. The directorate's core tasks include licensing railway undertakings, certifying safety management systems, and approving safety cases and conformity with safety and interoperability requirements for rail operations and infrastructure. It monitors compliance with national laws and European Union rail regulations, and it issues permits and conditions for rail services and infrastructure access.

It also oversees capacity allocation and timetabling in coordination with Bane NOR, the state-owned infrastructure manager, and railway operators. The directorate collects, analyzes, and publishes statistics on rail traffic, safety, punctuality, and performance, and provides policy advice to the government regarding rail regulation and development. In addition to regulatory duties, it participates in international cooperation and represents Norway in matters related to the European rail framework and the EU Agency for Railways.

Jernbanedirektoratet operates as part of the public administration under the ministerial framework of transport policy. It collaborates with other authorities, including the infrastructure manager, safety authorities, and local and regional transport actors, to promote safety, efficiency, and accessible rail transportation for passengers and freight. The agency's work supports the Norwegian government's aims for safe, sustainable, and technologically advanced rail transport.