OSLO, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Train operations across Norway were brought to a standstill on Christmas Day following a communication system failure between trains and the traffic control center.

The issue, which began at 8 a.m. (0700 GMT) on Wednesday, disrupted travel plans for tens of thousands returning home from Christmas celebrations.

Bane Nor, the state-owned company responsible for Norway's rail infrastructure, announced that the problem had been identified and resolved, allowing train traffic to resume at 9 p.m. (2000 GMT) gradually.

In a statement on its website, Bane Nor confirmed that the error had been isolated and that operations could safely restart. However, passengers were cautioned to expect delays and cancellations as the system stabilizes.

"We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers on a day when many were traveling to reunite with family," Bane Nor said, adding that further work would continue to fully address the underlying technical fault.