Both the surface and underground areas of Budapest’s Nyugati Square may undergo a major transformation as part of a planned municipal development project. The proposals include demolishing the existing overpass, modernizing the long-neglected underpass, and redesigning the surrounding public spaces.
At the heart of the project is a new tram line along Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road, which would create a direct connection between Deák Ferenc Square and Lehel Square. The tram would pass in front of Nyugati Railway Station, with a stop located directly beside the historic station building, making transfers between rail and urban transport significantly easier.
Overpass demolition and new public spaces
As reported by Népszava, the city first decided to prepare plans for the so-called Bajcsy Tram project in the autumn of 2024, even though funding for construction was far from certain at the time. The design contract was eventually signed in the autumn of 2025, and preparatory work has been underway ever since.
The project has recently gained momentum after the Hungarian government indicated on several occasions that major transport developments could be financed through European Union funds that may once again become available to Hungary.
Under the current plans, the existing overpass at Nyugati Square would be completely demolished. Along the affected section of Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road, more green spaces and public areas designed to favor public transport would be created.
Instead of the current three traffic lanes in each direction, only one lane per side would remain for private vehicles. The newly freed space would be used for tram tracks, tree-lined avenues, and bicycle lanes. The area in front of Nyugati Railway Station, currently occupied by a bus terminal and parking facilities, would be transformed into a landscaped public space. Additional pedestrian crossings would also improve accessibility.
The city administration aims to prioritize pedestrians and public transport over through traffic in the area.
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Long-awaited renovation of the underpass
In addition to the surface-level changes, the city has commissioned plans for the complete renovation of the Nyugati Square underpass.
The underpass opened in 1981 and has never undergone a comprehensive modernization. Over the decades, its condition has steadily deteriorated. Current plans include upgrading the lighting, utilities, mechanical systems, and passenger information infrastructure.
Many believe these improvements are long overdue. Earlier, Tamás Soproni, mayor of Budapest’s 6th district, referred to the underpass as a “horror tunnel,” highlighting both its poor condition and its unwelcoming atmosphere.
Another key component of the project is the construction of the Bajcsy Tram line itself. The new route would connect Deák Ferenc Square and Lehel Square, with a stop located directly next to the Eiffel Hall of Nyugati Railway Station, significantly improving transfers between railway and urban transport services.
A New Link Across Budapest
The project forms part of a long-standing vision to connect Budapest’s existing tram networks on the Buda and Pest sides of the city. If realized, the development would create direct tram connections that currently require multiple transfers.
Travel between the northern and southern parts of the capital could become simpler, while passengers crossing the city center would benefit from faster and more convenient routes.
According to calculations by transport expert Dávid Vitézy, the new tram line could attract between 41,000 and 45,000 passengers per day. During peak hours, trams arriving every two to three minutes would significantly increase capacity along one of Budapest’s busiest transport corridors.
The tram line, however, is only one part of a broader transformation that could fundamentally reshape the appearance of Nyugati Square. If funding is secured, the overpass could disappear, the underpass could finally be modernized, and trams could return to Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road for the first time in more than half a century.
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