PHOTOS: Budapest’s emblematic train station is being renewed

The renovation of Budapest’s illustrious Nyugati Railway Station continues with spectacular developments. The current works include the modernisation of the station’s main facade and the slender Southeastern spire. By autumn, the view of the station facing Nyugati Square will be breathtaking again since the protective roof is planned to be removed.

New roof, new spires, renewed facade

According to mav.hu, renovation of the ceiling of the subway beneath the 10-13th platforms will start this year with the stairways’ balustrades. The elevator will be removed because it will be replaced by an increased capacity lift. It will make the subway and the platforms accessible for disabled people.

More than 18.5 million people use the Nyugati Railway station every year. The building will be 146 years old in 2023. Since its role is unquestionable in Hungary’s railway system, the renovation works could not be postponed. The reconstruction started in the spring of 2020 with the renovation of the main building’s roof. Magyar Építő carried out the task back then after they kept the hall closed to the public for months.

Railway station Budapest marble hall
The renewed roof. Bird’s-eye view. Photo: facebook.com/mavcsoport

Afterwards, the beautiful marble hall was renewed and inaugurated last year. According to the mav.hu, the international waiting room will open in 2024. The good news is that the new roof above the room is completed, just like in the case of the old grocery shop, the Ceglédi Corridor, and the office buildings in the Nyugati Square wing.

Nyugati Railway Station renovation Budapest1
Photo: facebook.com/mavcsoport

In autumn, they will remove the protective roof from the front of the station. As a result, we will be able to enjoy the renovated facade of the building from Nyugati Square. The facade is under monument protection, while the building and the square have been iconic landmarks to visit and take snaps of. 

Budapest’s railway transport hub

ÉPKAR has been renovating the northwestern spire since last autumn. According to the plans, they will finish it by this June. Meanwhile, MÁV FKG will renew the southwestern spire finishing the job by November.

The renovation of the subway beneath platforms 10-13 will start in the summer. The contractors will replace the cover and the lights on the roof. Furthermore, they will make the subway accessible to disabled passengers. The new elevator will have an increased capacity (1,000 kg), and its frame will be steel. The lift will be vandal-proof, and its construction will start this summer. 

Moreover, they will establish a new CCTV camera system with 246 IP cameras on the platforms and in the different halls and rooms. As a result, the train station will become safer, the Hungarian State Railways believe.

Source: mav.hu

4 Comments

  1. Passion of mine, travelling out into Hungary, in Europe and GLOBALLY, is my LOVE of “Past” era constructed Railway Stations.
    Nyugati sits as my Hungarian favourite.
    Observing on a regular basics – its Renaissance or New Life – over growing numbers of months FASCINATING.
    The men & ladies – the craftsmanship – skills of PEOPLE, we should be PROUD of what they are GIVING us.
    The PROMISED felling by the Orban Government, near on 3 years past, of the VILE overpass adjacent to Nyugati ter, its REMOVAL – will FURTHER enhance – the work of ALL – that we are blessed to witness at this time.
    That overpass is UGLY.
    Thank-You all – who continue to make Nyugati – another Renewed – splendid piece of architecture in Budapest, for ALL to JOY.

  2. It is not Nyugati Railway Station. It is Nyugati Railway Terminál.

    Nyugati Railway Station is the Metro stop.

  3. the marble hall is the least spectacular part of the work – it has no relationship to rest of the station – must have been added in the 70s.
    Removal of the flyover would be a major improvement to the whole area.

  4. I agree with @Tm, in that the removal of that unsightly flyover could create an incredible opportunity for a beautiful square, as well as show off the Station’s architecture. And with that, our Viktor could apply for yet another EU grant. 😀

    Make that whole area a place for the PEOPLE to enjoy and be proud of.

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