Midtjyske Jernbaner

Midtjyske Jernbaner A/S is a Danish regional railway company based in Lemvig and operating in Region Midtjylland. Its present organization was created in 2008 through the merger of Vemb-Lemvig-Thyborøn Jernbane A/S and Hads-Ning Herreders Jernbane A/S. The merger brought together railway activities associated with two historic local railway companies and created a single operator for parts of the regional rail network. The company operates the Lemvigbanen, the railway line serving Lemvig and the surrounding area, and provides services on the railway between Holstebro and Skjern. These routes form part of the local and regional public-transport system in western Jutland, linking smaller communities with larger towns and interchange points. Midtjyske Jernbaner is therefore primarily a passenger-transport operator rather than a manufacturer or a nationwide intercity railway brand. A notable part of the company's fleet has been the Y-train, a type of diesel multiple unit delivered in 1983. Midtjyske Jernbaner has continued operating these trains on the Lemvig line, making the route the last known place where this train type remained in regular service. Their continued use reflects both the practical importance of established rolling stock on lightly used regional lines and the challenges of maintaining older trains when spare parts become increasingly difficult to obtain. To renew the fleet, the company and the regional authorities pursued battery-powered trains. Region Midtjylland allocated DKK 330 million to finance the purchase of four of seven planned battery trains. Siemens Mireo was selected as the train model, with the first units planned to enter service in the first half of 2025. The fleet-renewal program is intended to replace aging diesel equipment and support lower-emission operation on non-electrified regional routes. On the Holstebro–Skjern route, Midtjyske Jernbaner operates four Siemens Desiro train sets. Its rolling-stock portfolio consequently combines older diesel trains on the Lemvigbanen with more modern regional multiple units and a planned transition toward battery propulsion. The company’s positioning is based on reliable, locally focused railway service, preservation of connectivity for smaller communities, and gradual modernization of operations within Denmark’s regional public-transport framework.

Midtjyske Jernbaner emerged in 2008 from the merger of two Danish railway operating companies: Vemb-Lemvig-Thyborøn Jernbane A/S and Hads-Ning Herreders Jernbane A/S. The consolidation created a single company responsible for railway operations associated with parts of the regional network in western and central Jutland. Its headquarters were established in Lemvig. The company’s operating role centers on two railway corridors. It runs the Lemvigbanen, a local line serving Lemvig and nearby communities, and operates the railway connection between Holstebro and Skjern. These routes are regional rather than long-distance intercity services, and their importance lies in maintaining public-transport access for smaller towns and communities in Region Midtjylland. For much of its modern operating history, Midtjyske Jernbaner used older diesel rolling stock on the Lemvigbanen. The company’s Y-trains were delivered in 1983 and became particularly notable because the Lemvig line was the last location where this type continued in service. Their longevity illustrates the operating realities of lightly trafficked regional railways, where replacement and maintenance decisions must be balanced against infrastructure, service, and budget considerations. The continued use of the Y-trains also created increasing technical and logistical difficulties. Spare parts became harder to obtain, encouraging the company and its regional stakeholders to seek a replacement fleet. Region Midtjylland committed DKK 330 million to support the acquisition of four of seven planned battery trains. Siemens Mireo was selected as the preferred model. The first battery units were planned for introduction in the first half of 2025, marking a significant technological change for the company's non-electrified routes. Midtjyske Jernbaner also operates four Siemens Desiro train sets on the Holstebro–Skjern route. The combination of Y-trains, Siemens Desiro units, and planned Siemens Mireo battery trains reflects the company's transition from inherited and aging diesel equipment toward newer, lower-emission regional rail technology. The company's history is therefore defined by organizational consolidation, operation of rural and regional passenger lines, preservation of service on the Lemvigbanen, and a fleet-modernization effort shaped by the constraints of non-electrified infrastructure. Publicly available reference material provides limited information about its executive leadership, ownership structure, commercial finances, and detailed service timetable.

• 2025

  Planned introduction of Siemens Mireo battery trains

  [1]Midtjyske Jernbaneren.wikipedia.org

  The first Siemens Mireo battery trains were planned to enter service during the first half of 2025 as part of the replacement of older rolling stock.

• 2008

  Company formed through merger

  [1]Midtjyske Jernbaneren.wikipedia.org

  Vemb-Lemvig-Thyborøn Jernbane A/S and Hads-Ning Herreders Jernbane A/S merged to form Midtjyske Jernbaner A/S.

• 1983

  Y-trains delivered

  [1]Midtjyske Jernbaneren.wikipedia.org

  The Y-train units later used by Midtjyske Jernbaner were delivered. The Lemvigbanen subsequently became the last route where this train type remained in service.

A locally focused Danish regional railway operator emphasizing essential passenger connectivity in western Jutland, continued service on lightly used lines, and gradual transition from legacy diesel trains to battery-powered rolling stock.

• Regional passenger rail

  Lemvigbanen passenger services

  Passenger railway services on the Lemvigbanen, a local line in western Jutland. The route has been closely associated with Midtjyske Jernbaner's older Y-trains and has played an important role in maintaining rail access for Lemvig and surrounding communities. The company has pursued battery-powered replacement trains for this operating environment.

• Regional passenger rail

  Holstebro–Skjern railway services

  Regional passenger services between Holstebro and Skjern. Midtjyske Jernbaner operates four Siemens Desiro train sets on this route, providing rail connections across western Jutland and linking local communities with larger regional transport nodes.

• Battery-electric regional train fleet · 2025

  Siemens Mireo battery trains

  A planned fleet of Siemens Mireo battery trains selected to replace aging diesel rolling stock. Regional funding was allocated for four of seven planned units, with the first trains intended to enter service in the first half of 2025. The program represents Midtjyske Jernbaner's move toward lower-emission operation on routes without conventional electrification.

• Diesel multiple-unit train · 1983

  Y-trains

  Diesel multiple-unit trains delivered in 1983 and operated by Midtjyske Jernbaner on the Lemvigbanen. They became historically notable as the last Y-trains still in service. Increasing difficulty in sourcing spare parts contributed to plans for their replacement.

• Regional diesel multiple-unit train

  Siemens Desiro train sets

  Four Siemens Desiro train sets used by Midtjyske Jernbaner for services between Holstebro and Skjern. They form the company's established modern regional fleet on that corridor, alongside the older trains used on the Lemvigbanen.

• 2025

  Selection of Siemens Mireo battery trainsProduct launch

  Background

  The company needed to replace aging Y-trains on the Lemvigbanen, where obtaining spare parts had become increasingly difficult.

  Action taken

  Midtjyske Jernbaner selected Siemens Mireo battery trains as the planned replacement model. Four of seven planned trains were supported by DKK 330 million in regional funding.

  Aftermath

  The first battery trains were planned to enter service in the first half of 2025, beginning a transition toward battery-powered regional rail operations.

  Regional funding for battery trains. DKK 330 million allocated (Funding associated with the planned battery-train procurement)

  Source

• 2025

  Midtjyske Jernbaner prepares battery-train fleet renewal[1]Midtjyske Jernbaneren.wikipedia.org

  Product launch · Product generation

  The company planned to introduce Siemens Mireo battery trains during the first half of 2025 as part of a replacement program for aging rolling stock on its regional routes.

• Region Midtjylland allocates DKK 330 million toward battery trains[1]Midtjyske Jernbaneren.wikipedia.org

  Product generation

  Region Midtjylland provided DKK 330 million to finance four of seven planned battery trains for Midtjyske Jernbaner.

1. 1Midtjyske Jernbaneren.wikipedia.org