M3 metro upgrade postponed due to war in Ukraine?
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Metro line M3 is the longest underground in Budapest, and it transports the most passengers out of all the metro lines in the Hungarian capital. Since it is also one of the oldest, back in 2017, Budapest started the modernisation of the entire line and all stations. However, due to several unforeseen complications, the expected date of finishing the project will be postponed further.
Previous plans
According to Világgazdaság, the revamp of metro line M3 started in 2017 and would be implemented in three sections; the northern part of the underground was completed in 2019 and renovation works of the southern stations were finished by October 2020. The modernisation of the middle section in the city centre started in November 2020 and was expected to be fully completed in the first quarter of 2023.
We have previously reported that three stations will be handed over and available to use by passengers this May. These stations are the following: Kálvin Square, Corvin District and Semmelweis Clinics Stations.
Complications
Infostart reports that the construction company that performs the revamp told the Centre for Budapest Transport (BKK) that the workflow might be severely disrupted due to a number of outside circumstances. In addition to the probability of postponing the final handover date, the cost of the revamp might also increase significantly.
One of the main reasons is the war between Ukraine and Russia. Swietelsky, the construction company told Világgazdaság that since the onset of the military conflict there has been a shortage of workers and difficulties have popped up in shipping and manufacturing of building materials, such as steel, for example.
Adding insult to injury, the amendment of the fuel cap that the Hungarian Government has implemented, meaning the limit on the amount of purchasable fuel, has also caused some issues. According to the construction company, this has made it problematic to transport the workforce to the location of the job site.
5 years to fix 10 km of a metro? That’s pure corruption.
Those who REALLY understood – what Fidesz was ALL about – knew this project and “others” post the returning of them to Govern Hungary – these projects through MONEY running out AGAIN put on a delay programe.
Hungarys econony is in a state of downward trend, that will see greater numbers of projects “put on hold” and cancelled, due to the declining economy.
REMEMBER : citizens who voted the return of the Fidesz Party to Govern Hungary – you take Accountability & Responsibility – for the state economically – its WORSENING position, we are in.
Darker & Deeper times are ahead economically in Hungary.