Renovation work on one of Hungary’s busiest railway lines has reached Kőbánya-Kispest station, where tracks and platform canopies are being upgraded. The works are also expected to remove several existing speed restrictions, helping to shorten journey times and reduce delays.
Transport and Investment Minister Dávid Vitézy announced on Sunday that MÁV specialists would work at the station between 4 November and 1 December as part of a maintenance programme launched in the summer on the Budapest–Cegléd railway line, also known as line 100a. Earlier stages covered the section between Pilis and Albertirsa stations, as well as Albertirsa station itself.
According to the minister, nearly 80 railway workers and heavy machinery are involved in the project. The fourth and fifth tracks at Kőbánya-Kispest are being rebuilt, while new track switches, connecting track sections and a level crossing are also being constructed.
The works require around 6,000 tonnes of crushed stone, the movement or replacement of several hundred metres of rails and the installation of 1,250 reinforced concrete sleepers. The station’s platform canopies are also being renovated.
Faster trains expected after the works
One of the main benefits for passengers will be the removal of speed restrictions on four shorter sections of the line. Trains currently have to slow down to 20 or 40 km/h in these areas because of track conditions.
The original permitted track speed of 80 km/h is expected to be restored during follow-up track adjustment works scheduled for 10–13 December, Vitézy said. This should mean shorter journey times and fewer delays caused by infrastructure problems.
The minister stressed that introducing new trains alone is not enough to improve railway services: the tracks themselves also need proper maintenance.
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Timetable changes affect Budapest commuters
Passengers should be aware that the construction work is temporarily affecting train schedules. According to HVG, the Tokaj and Nyírség InterCity services have returned to their usual routes, but several other InterCity trains leave Budapest’s Nyugati railway station eight minutes earlier than before.
Suburban services are also operating according to modified timetables, while replacement buses are running instead of some late-night and early-morning trains. Special timetables apply on 21–22 November and 28–29 November.
Vitézy advised passengers to check their journeys in the MÁVPlusz app before setting off. He also thanked local residents for their patience, particularly because some of the construction work takes place at night.
