Centre for Budapest Transport (BKK) launched the track modernisation of Metro line 3. Since the line cannot be fully closed to operation, the project will be developed in phases and transport on specific sections will be covered by bus transport services.
At the end of April, the city council approved without a single vote “against” the M3 rehabilitation project, worth a total HUF 139.5 billion (around EUR 445 million). The metro line 3 modernisation project includes the procurement of new equipment to replace the existing equipment, infrastructure rehabilitation, reconstruction of stations, surface buildings and modernisation of passenger-dedicated areas to European standards.
As part of M3 modernisation project, Metrowagonmash has won the EUR 219 million contract for the modernisation of 37 trains (222 wagons) in order to extend their life expectancy by 25 years.
Since the beginning of 2016, local authorities have anticipated that the rehabilitation of the line will be completed in 2019, although financing sources have been unclear, as the European Union had not approved the project financing, Mayor István Tarlós declared. If the EU would not approve the financing, “the state will be forced to grant money”, since the line needs urgent rehabilitation works. In December 2015, the European Bank of Investments and the municipality signed a loan agreement worth EUR 200 million for transport infrastructure, including the reconstruction of the metro, tram lines, suburban railways, as well as rolling stock.
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