Listen to the audio version of this article (generated by AI).
Listen to the audio version of this article (generated by AI).
State railway company MÁV will repair switches, replace rails and sleepers, restore the entrance to the tunnel toward Kelenföld and its retaining wall, and repair platforms.
The work will also cover lighting, passenger information equipment and equipment used to supply power to railcars. Overhead wires and the power supply system will be inspected.
Vitézy said deferred track maintenance was one of the Hungarian railway network’s most serious problems, particularly around Budapest’s major stations, where poor track conditions force trains to operate under speed restrictions.
A substantially broader upgrade of Déli station and its surroundings is also planned under the Baross Gábor Railway Development Plan, with a construction tender expected to be launched shortly.
The project will rebuild the railway tracks through the Kis-Gellért Hill tunnel, lowering the track level by approximately 20 centimeters to allow high-capacity double-decker trains to reach Déli station. New double-track infrastructure will be installed, while the tunnel masonry, ground beneath the tracks and adjoining slopes will be reinforced.
At the station, track and switch modernization will include replacing 26 switches. The outdated mechanically operated signaling system will be replaced with a modern system providing controlled shunting routes, centrally operated switches and electric switch heating.
Platforms will be rebuilt or refurbished, with tactile paving, new passenger seating and other furnishings, and modern audio and visual passenger information systems. The project will also upgrade power and telecommunications networks and install a new security camera system.
The investment aims to increase station capacity, improve punctuality and raise service standards for suburban, long-distance and Lake Balaton routes, Vitézy said.
Renovation of the station building is not included in the project, although planning for that work has begun.
The minister said the maintenance closure had deliberately been scheduled outside weekday and peak summer traffic periods, as the work could only be carried out efficiently with the station fully closed.
“The state of the railway cannot be put right overnight,” Vitézy wrote. “We must simultaneously clear the maintenance backlog accumulated over the years and launch the larger developments that will improve railway operations over the longer term.”
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For over 30 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
