The long-overdue renovation of Budapest’s Nyugati Square underpass may finally move forward, Mayor Gergely Karácsony has announced. The project would form part of the second phase of the Pest tram network expansion and could bring a comprehensive renewal to an underground passageway that has seen little significant modernisation since it opened 45 years ago.
According to Karácsony, Nyugati Square is one of the Hungarian capital’s most important transport interchanges, yet its current condition no longer reflects the importance of the location. He described the planned redevelopment as the repayment of a long-standing debt owed to Budapest residents.
Full refurbishment plans now being prepared
The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) confirmed that, thanks to a decision and financing commitment from the Budapest Municipality, it will activate an optional component of the existing design contract for the Pest tram project. This will allow detailed plans for the complete renovation of the Nyugati Square underpass to be prepared.
Under the proposal, the underpass could receive:
- Refurbished passenger and operational areas;
- Modernised public lighting;
- New fire detection and emergency alarm systems;
- Upgraded mechanical infrastructure;
- A renewed passenger information system;
- A modern, fully accessible public toilet;
- Modernised utility infrastructure.
Urban planners will also examine opportunities to improve pedestrian connections and public spaces around the square. The project may include new facilities such as bicycle storage areas accessible via ramps.
Part of a much larger transport project
The underpass renovation is closely linked to the second phase of the Pest tram network project, which aims to create a direct tram connection between North Pest and South Buda.
Plans include the construction of approximately 2.2 kilometres of new tram tracks between Deák Ferenc Square and Lehel Square, connecting sections of the tram network that currently operate separately.
The wider development could also transform several key areas of central Budapest, including Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road, the inner section of Váci Road, Nyugati Square and the surroundings of Lehel Square. Proposed improvements include new pedestrian links, traffic-calmed public spaces, enhanced accessibility, safer cycling infrastructure and additional green areas.
A complete reconstruction instead of a partial upgrade
BKK noted that the original project scope only included a partial refurbishment of the underpass. However, following a decision by the capital city administration, planners will now examine the possibility of a full-scale reconstruction, which officials say would provide the best long-term technical solution.
The current condition of the underpass has made renovation increasingly urgent. Since its opening around 45 years ago, the facility has not undergone any major modernisation despite serving one of Budapest’s busiest transport nodes.
Karácsony said the renewed underpass would be safer, brighter, more modern and fully accessible, while offering a significantly improved environment for passengers.
Have you heard? Budapest’s night-time public transport will be overhauled
EU funding may be key to construction
Although planning work is now moving ahead, it remains unclear when construction could begin. The tram project is expected to be financed with European Union support, while the Budapest Municipality is currently pre-financing the design phase.
Under the existing contract, detailed construction plans for the Pest tram project are expected to be completed in the second half of 2028. Whether the underpass renovation proceeds to construction will largely depend on the availability of future funding.
If you missed it: New HÉV carriages to be bought to replace 60-year-old ones
