It’s not just a cable car – it’s evolving too – The Zugliget Cable Car is being modernised

One of the most popular summer activities in Budapest is a pleasant cable car ride between János Hill and Zugliget. The cable car, which runs above the treetops, attracts thousands of tourists and day-trippers year after year, whilst offering unrivalled panoramic views of the capital. Soon, however, it will not only be the passengers" experience that gets a new lease of life, but also the technical system operating behind the scenes. Budapesti Közlekedési Zrt. has concluded the public procurement tender.

The winning bidder was Gravitas Bányagépészeti Vizsgáló Állomás Kft., which will carry out the modernisation work at a net cost of 108.06 million forints.

One of Budapest’s iconic modes of transport

The Zugliget Cable Car is Hungary’s first passenger cable car, which has been connecting Zugliget and János Hill since 1970. The 1,040-metre-long cableway spans a height difference of 262 metres, taking passengers up to one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Buda Hills in just a few minutes. This unique mode of transport remains one of the capital’s best-known tourist attractions to this day.

To ensure safe operation, the track’s technical components require regular maintenance and periodic refurbishment. The current investment project concerns the structures and support systems located on the section between the two stations.

From the columns to the sound system, a number of elements are being refurbished

According to the public procurement documentation, the project involves the modernisation of the entire line’s infrastructure.

The contractor is refurbishing the 17 steel support structures on the track, as well as the 16 reinforced concrete foundations and their drainage systems. In addition, the roller assemblies – which are key components in the operation of the cableway – will also be refurbished on site.

The control and signalling cable cabinets are being replaced, and the rope position sensors, as well as the track-side and station control units, are also being refurbished. As part of the works, forty switch inserts are being replaced with explosion-proof versions.

The development also affects the public address system; new track-side and station loudspeakers are being installed, which will be weatherproof and used to provide information to passengers.

As part of the project, the end-of-line lights system is also being modernised, which helps passengers to board and alight safely at the terminus stations.