The electrification of 48.3 km of railway line between the Rakosrendezo station in Budapest and the city of Esztergom provides passengers with more comfortable and efficient journeys as well as better trackside facilities. The work integrates infrastructure for local rail and bus users, making it easier for them to swap between different transport modes.
- 22 June 2018
The investment also pays for:
new signalling equipmentthe installation of two electric power stations at the town of Dorogreconstruction of an existing substation at Ivanstalekthe installation of more than 25 turnouts along the route the laying of 5 km of optical cable.This project builds on previous upgrades, completed in 2015, which included laying double tracks on the busiest sections and the introduction of 12 new electric trains. The efficient operation of the trains is assured by this latest upgrade, which also provides for the installation of a second rail track (1.2 km long) from Dorog station and the construction of new sidings for freight trains at Esztergom (including 4.27 km of track).
Seamless travel
In addition, the Rákosrendező to Angyalfold section of line is being upgraded with the laying of 7.8 km of track. At the same time, Angyalfold rail station is undergoing reconstruction. Passenger facilities are also being revamped as part of the project, including the upgrade of station platforms. This is to ensure seamless movement of passengers from the railway to local bus services. New rail and bus timetables are included in the refit.
Esztergom lies north-west of Budapest and has a population of around 28 500. Established in 972, the city sits on the River Danube across the border with Slovakia. Since 1992, the city has been home to the Magyar Suzuki car plant, which employs more than 6 000 people.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Development of the Budapest – Esztergom rail line: Electrification and Additional Works” is EUR 186 947 204, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund and Cohesion Fund contributing EUR 125 382 836 through the “Integrated Transport” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Developing Sustainable Urban Transport and Integrating suburban rail accessibility”.