MÁV: The main line of Pécs is speeding up with the help of giant machines and 100 professionals

In September and October, priority maintenance work will continue on the main line to Pécs, with the aim of removing speed restrictions and improving the punctuality of train services between Budapest and Pécs. The track renovation is part of the implementation of MÁV Track Operation Zrt., with the participation of approximately 80-100 specialists and the use of various heavy machinery, including long rail transporters, levelling machines, giant cranes and excavators. The investment will be realised from MÁV's own resources, amounting to approximately 750 million forints, according to the information provided to our newspaper.

Following the night-time switching and track-switching works planned for the second half of November, speed restrictions causing 1-minute delays on the affected sections will be completely lifted, they point out.

Work on the main line progressed in the summer and is still ongoing

Reminder: in the first half of summer, the track network was renovated and the Sió Bridge was maintained in Simontornya, and the track network was renovated and the Sió Bridge was maintained in Pincehely. rel="noopener">first half of the summer in Simontornya, the track network was renovated, the Sió bridge was maintained, and the road-rail crossing on main road 61 was rebuilt near Pincehely. Track improvements will now continue nightly until 27 September between Sárbogárd, Keszőhidegkút-Gyönk and Dombóvár, with approximately 80 kilometres of track being upgraded in two phases. This will not involve any changes to the timetable.

Curve correction and track replacement on another section

From 23 September, the track renewal will also start at Mecsekalja-Cserkút station, and between Pécs and Mecsekalja-Cserkút, curve corrections and track replacements will be carried out on 1300 metres, which will significantly change the timetable on the main line of Pécs - until 12 October. Between Budapest and Pécs, during the track closure period, you can expect different sections, partial bus replacement and different journey times from the railways.

The works will deliberately begin after the completion of the track renovation at Keleti Railway Station after the completion of track renovation work lasting until 20 September, and will continue on the southernmost section of the Pécs main line. Train traffic will naturally be suspended during the maintenance period. When planning the modified timetable and replacement services, MÁV had to take into account the complete closure of the track section.

Those interested can read about the timetable changes here.