MODERNISATION OF GYOMA BEKESCSABA LINE SECTION

The project is a major project allocation under Cohesion Fund FL III Phasing Rail Investments and consists of the modernisation of the Cegléd traction substation and the line section Gyoma (excl.) - Békécsaba (incl.) and installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) between Budapest - Lökösháza, country border.

The project is part of the upgrade programme of the existing railway corridor between Budapest – Szolnok – Szajol – Békéscsaba and Lökösháza state border towards Romania and includes the reconstruction of 37 km of railway line and the Békéscsaba Station, as well as the implementation of the ETCS Level 2 system from Budapest to the Romanian border. The line is part of the TEN-T core network (Orient East/Med) and the European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) priority corridor. The project contributes to the objective of promoting sustainable transport on the TEN-T core network, with an expected increase in rail usage due to a modal shift from road.

The transport operational programmes (TOP) for Hungary underwent a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) procedure and the environmental effects were assessed. The project concerns rail transport investment and will contribute to sustainability objectives by making rail transport more attractive and better placed to face modal competition from road. The project will also enhance railway safety. Given the nature of the project, it falls under Annex II of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive (2011/92/EU) and the competent authority has screened out the project based on the preliminary environmental assessment. The environmental permits have been issued and the project is not expected to have any impact on Natura 2000 sites.

The promoter is a public entity obliged to comply with the European and national public procurement legislation. The construction works and associated supervision were procured by the Nemzeti Infrastruktúra Fejleszt? (NIF) Zrt. in accordance with Directive 2004/18/EC. All the bid notices for construction and services were published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) and all the contracts have been awarded.