Budapest focuses on rail transport development

Budapest-metroThe authorities in Budapest launch important projects for the public transport system development, and for this purpose plan to access European funds within the multiannual budget, starting with 2014. Within the programme for the transport system development, the strategy elaboration has a key role in selecting the projects to be financed and implemented.

For the traffic optimisation and the increase of the public transport attractiveness, the rail transport is among the established priorities and involves the extension of the underground network and the construction of a new tram line. The modernisation and extension of the Underground Line 1, the elaboration of projects for the tram, bus, trolleybus system development, the connection of the Underground Line 2 to a suburban line (HEV) and the extension of the south section of the high-speed suburban line to be built (known as underground line 5) are projects which could be prepared for application within the 2014-2020 European budget and require HUF 700-800 Billion (EUR 2.3-2.7 Billion) investments.
Within the ERDF programme (2007-2013), at the end of 2012, the EU approved the tram network development plan which requires investments amounting to EUR 147.4 Million, out of which the EU’s contribution will reach EUR 117.6 Million. The programme consists of the extension of line 1 by 7 km and the modernisation of 25 km belonging to lines 1 and 3. Through the works execution, approximately 250 thousand of the city’s inhabitants will directly benefit from the public transport optimisation, and additionally the lines will be used by 84 thousand passengers/day. The extension of line 1 also includes the reshaping of tram stations, the mo-dernisation of energy and information supply systems, of signalling systems etc. The project represents the first phase of the tram system development strategy (lines 1 and 3), and the second phase will include other extensions of these lines, including the construction of terminals.
As regards the underground transport network development, the most important project of the Hungary’s capital is the construction of line 4. At present, the underground system consists of three lines (32 km), with line 4 under construction, connecting the North-Eastern side of the city to the South-Western one.
For the construction of the 7.5 km and 10 station, investments of over EUR 850 Billion are necessary, and the deadline for the completion of line 4 has been set for March 2014. At present, “from the structural point of view, the fourth underground line in Budapest is almost ready and minor works must be executed”, declared mayor István Tarlós. The final cost of the first section of the project will reach HUF 452 Billion (EUR 1.5 Billion), in increase compared to the initially estimated amount of HUF 373 Billion (EUR 1.25 Billion).
Besides this project, the authorities plan to build a new underground line (L5), but it is still in the planning phase. It would be built alongside the Danube River, crossing Margaret Island and being then connected to the underground railway line network, towards the Southern and Northern part.

[ by Pamela Luică ]
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