The trolleybus network in Józsefváros and Kőbánya will be expanded

A call for tenders has been published for overhead line construction works related to the development of the capital's trolleybus network, which can be carried out in the VIII and X districts, according to a Budapesti Közlekedési Központ (BKK) press release.

As part of the trolleybus network development, new overhead line sections may be built on Kőbányai Road (between Orczy Square and Liget Square) and on Pongrácz Road as an extension of the existing infrastructure, on a section of Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Road, on Állomás Street and on Liget Square. In mid-September, BKK launched a rel="noopener">conditional public procurement procedure for the implementation of network expansion and related modernisation works, as well as for the possible revision of existing plans.

During the development, BKK is planned to

• builds the overhead network on the Orczy tér-Kőbányai út-Kőrösi Csoma Sándor út-Állomás utca-Liget tér route and provides the power supply to it, and
• extends the existing overhead line on Pongrácz út from the Kőbányai garage to Mázsa tér, making the centre of Kőbánya accessible in overhead mode from Orczy tér and the Puskás Ferenc Stadion metro station;
• installing new overhead line supports and street lighting columns in several locations, while also replacing luminaires and arms to modernise street lighting and create a coherent streetscape;
• install multifunctional columns to minimise the amount of space taken up by public space;
• carry out the necessary utility replacements on Kőbányai út and Pongrácz út (water mains, road signalling and communication cables), and
• coordinate the project with other ongoing and planned municipal, public and private investments in the dynamically developing Kőbányai Road area.

Easier access to Kőbánya from the city centre

The new overhead line sections can contribute to the development of the trolleybus network, while at the same time making access to Kőbánya from the city centre more efficient. The extended route of the 73 trolleybus currently runs along the Kerepesi út-Pongrácz út-Kápolna utca route, with the vehicles running partly in battery-powered self-propelled mode on the section under test.

The investment may contribute to the expansion of the trolleybus network of the capital, such as the extension of the 72 line beyond Orczy tér, and as a result of the development and further vehicle purchases, it may become possible to operate modern trolleys on the 9 bus line between Óbuda and Kőbánya, replacing up to 25 articulated diesel buses.

The project is to be implemented under the European Union's ICOP Plus programme, and BKK is still waiting for the government to take action, according to the announcement. The works could start in the first half of 2027, subject to a successful public procurement procedure and the provision of EU funding.