Hungarian government issues decrees for new tunnels in Budapest

14 November 2018


Hungary – Proposals for new underground infrastructure in Budapest have been accepted for more study according to documents released on November 10 by Magyar Közlöny (Hungarian Gazette), which documents the official text of any newly issued piece or amendment to Hungarian legislation.

Priority projects include a rail tunnel connecting two of the main train stations, the southern Déli and western Nyugati, and initial construction for Metro line 5, a north to south suburban line crossing Budapest with parts of the alignment below grade.

Balázs Fürjes, state secretary for development of the Budapest agglomeration, called attention to the project in late September said the idea of connecting the two stations, which are located on either side of the Danube River, with a tunnel has been in existence since 1937.

According to state media MTI tracks at Déli station would be moved underground, creating surface level space for urban development. A portion of the tracks at Nyugati station would also be moved underground. According to Fürjes this would make it easier for commuters to get to the city centre as well as cross it. The distance between the stations is approximately 3km.

Funding for both projects will seek European Union support, including investments being made for the 2021-2027 budget period.