One of the largest transport development projects in the capital is the reconstruction of metro line M3, which affects both public and road transport participants. We know the effect on the population to replace the busiest means of transport, so in all our decisions we keep in mind the reduction of inconveniences and the fastest possible completion. In connection with the reconstruction works, our goal is to provide authentic information in all cases, and we share both negative and positive developments.
It is no secret that the reconstruction of the stations in the middle section started on schedule, but the modernization of the tunnel could only start later, with the signing of a letter of intent to amend the relevant contract. A harmonized timetable for the full implementation of the reconstruction of the middle section has been completed, setting a target date for the reopen of metro line M3 in the first quarter of 2023.
Currently, seven downtown stations are undergoing a complete reconstruction, and the Lehel tér and Nagyvárad tér stations are already undergoing preparatory work for the modernization. In order to bring forward the stations of Kálvin tér, Corvin-negyed, Semmelweis Klinikák, the construction is progressing at an accelerated pace, so in the spring of 2022 the three metro stations will be open to passengers, which will be a significant relief in transport.
According to the current Grant Agreement, the deadline for the completion of the project is 29 June 2023. In the period from the handover of the metro line to the end of June, the surface restoration will take place after the replacement buses will no longer needed – traffic engineering, demolition of temporary bus stops.
The Grant Agreement provides HUF 217.5 billion from EU funds for the implementation of the project, and the Municipality of Budapest contributes HUF 5.585 billion to the accessibility works; this amount has not changed since 2018. On 1 September 2021, the General Assembly of Budapest decided to provide an additional HUF 1.503 billion for the performance of technical inspection and other engineering-related tasks necessary for the reconstruction of the metro line.
Given that there is currently no known circumstance that would make the reconstruction works more difficult, the entire metro line will therefore be handed over to passenger traffic in the first quarter of 2023. This schedule corresponds to the timing of the project's costs from EU funds.
Photo: Bence Horváth
