hovedlinje

Hovedlinje is a Norwegian noun meaning the main line or backbone of a system. It denotes the principal route, axis, or pathway that carries the bulk of activity or serves as the central element around which other parts are organized. The term is used across domains, including transportation, planning, telecommunications, and policy documents, often in contrast to side lines, branches, or secondary routes.

In rail transport, hovedlinjen refers to the principal railway line that connects major hubs and carries the majority of long-distance traffic. It is commonly discussed in planning and operations contexts to distinguish it from side lines or branch lines that serve local or regional traffic.

In urban planning and policy-making, hovedlinje denotes the central direction or core objective of a plan, project, or strategy. In telecommunications or electrical networks, it can describe the main backbone or feed that carries the principal signal or power, with branches or local feeders attached to it.

Etymology and usage: hoved means "main" and linje means "line." The term is used similarly in Danish and Swedish, and is generally neutral and descriptive, suitable for formal or technical discourse.