Plans have been announced to modernise a further three railway stations on the southern shore of Lake Balaton

We recently reported that the refurbishment of the Balaton railway station could be about to begin. According to a recently published public procurement notice, a further three railway stations may be included in the project: Balatonaliga, Szabadifürdő and Zamárdi stations will also be refurbished under the Prím Építő Kft. project, with a total investment of around 1.4 billion forints.

The works, which will take 19 months, will be carried out whilst train services continue uninterrupted; the shared aim is to ensure that holidaymakers and commuters can finally arrive at stations that meet today’s standards, with barrier-free access, modern passenger information systems, well-organised concourses, comfortable car parks and bicycle storage facilities.

The most significant structural changes are taking place at the gateway to Lake Balaton and in Szabadifürdő. In Balatonaliga, as part of a 477 million forint project, the outdated facility is being almost completely demolished to make way for an energy-efficient station building featuring over a thousand square metres of revitalised green spaces and pedestrian areas.

In contrast, at Szabadifürdő – the most expensive element of the package, costing 509 million forints – following the demolition of one wing of the old building, the building will be opened up with huge glass walls, so that a bright, open-plan waiting hall, accessible from both sides, will welcome bathers and travellers.

In Zamárdi, a more restrained renovation is set to begin, funded by 425 million forints, due to the building’s listed status. As the local station building is a listed structure, it will be refurbished whilst preserving its external character, featuring modernised interiors, new windows and doors, updated mechanical systems and well-maintained green spaces. These works will be carried out in accordance with the BIM model, thus ensuring that the historic station remains easy and efficient to operate for decades to come.