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Budapest’s iconic metro line faces urgent train replacement, but funding remains uncertain
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The trains of the Millennium Underground in Budapest are slowly reaching the age when replacement is no longer only economically justified, but also necessary for passenger safety. The majority of the current rolling stock is over 50 years old and will soon reach 60, posing a serious sustainability and safety risk. Although BKV stresses that they are operating with all the necessary licences, the vehicles are becoming increasingly expensive to maintain and technical problems are occurring more frequently.
One of the biggest issues in vehicle replacement is finding the financial resources. According to Népszava, the capital is hoping that the HUF 320 billion (EUR 802 million) promised by the Orbán government for the Rákosrendező project will cover the necessary costs. However, this is uncertain, as the related sales contract has not yet been signed. If the state funding is not forthcoming, the only option is to borrow money, but this would require government approval, which Budapest has never received.
Obstacles and funding
Time seems to be one of the biggest obstacles because the provisional type-approval for planned new vehicles expires in May 2025. This means that obtaining permits and manufacturing could be delayed if the capital does not act in time. Such a project will take 4-5 years from procurement to series production, so the earliest the new trains could be on the road is around 2029-2030, provided the procurement is launched this year.
BKV’s preliminary estimate is that a single train designed for the M1 tunnel will cost nearly HUF 1.9 billion (EUR 4.76 million), and that at least 22 trains are needed to fully serve the existing line. This represents a total cost of HUF 41.8 billion (EUR 104.8 million), plus one-off planning and licensing costs (HUF 1.5 billion / EUR 3.76 million) and the cost of the necessary maintenance equipment (HUF 2.1 billion / EUR 5.26 million). This brings the total cost of the project to HUF 45.4 billion (EUR 113.8 million) and that’s not including the renewal of the track, tunnels, and safety equipment.
It’s okay.
The E.U. will send another few hundred billion dollars to Ukraine: money that HUNGARY is entitled to.
Because who needs subway trains that are not a death trap when you can finance a never-ending money-laundering scam instead!
Wastefulness of peoples taxes in Hungary.
Abuse of tax payers Money.
Failings of PRIORITIZATION of the “usage” of citizens taxes.
Fraudulent, been judged of GUILT by the European Union, the Courts of Justice of the European Union – the Orban led Fidesz Government.
Orbans led Fidesz Government – the GROWING in FINES status of Debt to the European Union – HORRENDOUS – compounded DEBT.
Orbans led Fidesz Government, a government STRANGULATED in DEBT from BORROWINGS.
Orban led Fidesz Government – nothing, absolutely NOTHER – to make INVESTMENTS now and into the FUTURE of Hungary.
Mounting “un-ease” in Education, the Judiciary and Medical Professions – through UNDER – over (16) years in Government – no INVESTMENT – required for present nor the FUTURE.
Orban led Fidesz Government, of an “Aging Population” – deaths over new born monthly deaths the winner, a population in decline of number.
Poverty in Hungary, under the Orban led Fidesz represents nearing 1.2 million citizens.
Hungary, “driven to ” having been DELIVERED to a replication resembling a Vesuvius – in NEARING.
Orban and his Fidesz Government – it’s factual picture PRESENT that will WORSEN, never, never never are they – Victor Mihaly. Orban and his Fidesz Government, the Oligarch, “inner sanctum” lay members and other of the Fidesz Political Party of Hungary – they must NEVER be APPEASED.