Budapest’s metro line may face closure due to the hazardous state of carriages
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The replacement of these outdated and seemingly hazardous carriages is estimated to cost HUF 40-50 billion (EUR 105-131 million).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.
The gargantuan FAILINGS of this Orban Government is in its PRIORITIZATION in-abilities.
We know its use or European Union funding, its use or mis-use against the reason(s) the granting, of funding from the European Union has been ABUSED – that the Orban Government, its failings – that all come’s back to the non COMPLIANCE, to comply with the Laws of the European Union under being a Member.
The nadir deepens as more “flitters” out the Economic & Financial deepening Black Hole, this Orban Government continues to lead us into.
It worsens, just keep watching this SPACE.