Déli railway station is set to undergo a major refurbishment, paving the way for double-decker trains

The accelerated development of the domestic rail network is reaching a new milestone: a public procurement process aimed at the comprehensive development of the Déli railway station area is set to begin shortly. Dávid Vitézy, head of the Közlekedési és Beruházási Minisztériumot project, outlined the plans on his social media page.

Accordingly, maintenance work will be carried out at Déli railway station this weekend – to rectify the most urgent track faults and speed restrictions – whilst the station is completely closed. At the same time, a more far-reaching project is due to begin shortly as part of the Baross Gábor Vasútfejlesztési Terv programme.

Track and signalling modernisation is also a key focus

A tender for the construction work on the project to rebuild the railway track in the Kis-Gellért-hegy tunnel is due to be issued shortly.

By lowering the track level by approximately 20 centimetres, access to Déli railway station will be ensured even for high-capacity double-decker multiple units. A new double-track line will be constructed in the tunnel, and we will also reinforce the tunnel lining, the subgrade and the associated cuttings.

In addition, track and points modernisation work is being carried out at Déli railway station: 26 sets of points will also be replaced. The current, outdated overhead line signalling system will be replaced by a modern shunting track-based system, featuring centrally controlled and electrically heated points.

The station building will be dealt with as part of a separate project

In addition to all this, the platforms will be rebuilt or refurbished, tactile guide strips will be installed and new passenger furniture will be fitted, whilst a state-of-the-art audio and visual passenger information system will be installed. The energy and telecommunications networks will be upgraded, and a new CCTV system will also be installed.

The minister added that the investment does not yet include the refurbishment of the station building, but work has already begun on its design. „The aim of the development is not simply to renovate the track: we are increasing the rail capacity at Déli railway station, improving the punctuality of trains, and ensuring a higher standard of service for suburban, long-distance and Lake Balaton services,” summarised Dávid Vitézy.