The continuation of the railway line to Narvik was controversial, because opponents feared the influence of Russia (then controlling Finland and already connected to Sweden at Haparanda–Tornio) on an international railway line.
Prelungirea căii ferate spre Narvik a fost controversată, deoarece adversarii se temeau de influența Rusiei (pe atunci stăpânind Finlanda), care deja era conectată la sistemul feroviar suedez via Haparanda-Tornio.