Budapest’s metro line may face closure due to the hazardous state of carriages

The replacement of these outdated and seemingly hazardous carriages is estimated to cost HUF 40-50 billion (EUR 105-131 million). Despite allocated EU funds for this purpose, rumours abound that the Orbán cabinet might seek financial backing for their mini-Dubai project instead of the much-needed metro line renewal. At least, that is what Népszava suggests.

Government plans have been released for a new city district and the financing of various infrastructural projects in Budapest’s Rákosrendező area. Reports indicate coordination with an Arab investor, with the government actively refining plans in collaboration. More details on the government’s mini Dubai project can be found in THIS article.

Népszava, a left-leaning Hungarian daily, suggests that the EU funds earmarked for new metro carriages on line M1 might divert towards the mini-Dubai venture.

The M1 metro carriages, designed to operate for 40 years and 2.1 million kilometres, are now exceeding their intended lifespan, serving over 40 thousand daily passengers in Budapest. The M3 metro line faced a similar issue, leading the government, during Fidesz-KDNP-backed István Tarlós’ mayorship, to permit Budapest to take a loan for its modernisation, costing HUF 217.5 billion (EUR 570 million) over five years, with the European Union covering a significant portion of the expenses.

Concerns over the safety of Metro Line M1

The project to replace the ageing carriages and extend the line was earmarked in the 2014-2020 EU funding period but fell short on funds. In 2021, Budapest’s Transport Company, BKV, received HUF 2 billion (EUR 5.28 million) for carriage design, but their acquisition remains stalled due to funding constraints.

Meanwhile, time is running out. Tunnels were renovated 30 years ago, and carriages are now 25 years old. BKV asserts the safety of the trains, yet admits to needing 16 metro trains for current operations without specifying the operable count from the total 23. The costs for such an endeavour are bound to be astronomical.

Astronomical costs

Endre Bíró, Chairman of the Metróért Egyesület (‘For the Metro Association’), emphasises the growing risk of accidents, citing damages incurred during operation and the necessity for replacement due to material fatigue.

Each new carriage is estimated at HUF 2 billion (EUR 5.3 million), with a requirement for at least 22. Factoring in the planned network extension, five more would be necessary, pushing the total cost beyond HUF 54 billion. Additionally, a railway reconstruction is imperative, further complicating matters. Moreover, such a project would take time. For instance, just the construction of the custom-designed trains (due to the narrow tunnel) is expected to span 4-5 years.

Recently, the government announced the reduction of frequency on some HÉV lines in Budapest, citing a shortage of safely operating trains. The situation appears increasingly dire.

Read also:

• Budapest’s renovated M3 metro stations struggle with waterlogging – Read more HERE
• Extraordinary announcement: Hungary’s public transport changes, new tickets introduced – Details in THIS article