BUDAPEST-ESZTERGOM RAILWAY RECONSTR I

The project concerns upgrading of the railway infrastructure between the northern railway Danube bridge (excl) and Piliscsaba (Section 1 - approx. 21 km) and the rehabilitation of the Piliscsaba-Esztergom line section (Section 2 - approx. 22 km). The project provides capacity increase with an additional track (doubling) to be constructed between Aquincum junction and Pilisvörösvár and a new side-track at Pilisvörösvár (approx.15 km). The project also includes reconstruction of existing stations and construction of new stops, level free crossings, and rehabilitation of the signalling system.

The project aims at improving travel time, accessibility, safety, reliability and comfort for railway users, whilst reducing emissions thus promoting sustainable transport in the sub-urban area of Budapest. The installation of level free crossings will reduce the barrier effect further improving safety. The project will also improve intermodality with P R, bike ride and improvement of connections with buses at stations.

Section 1 of the project falls under Annex I and Section 2 falls under Annex II of the EIA Directive. A full EIA was carried out and the environmental permit has been issued to Section 1 by the Competent Authority (CA). Section 2 was screened out by CA based on Preliminary Environmental Study. Although, the railway line at some points runs next to the borders of habitat areas, the relevant CAs have confirmed that the project will not have any significant impact on declared Natura 2000 sites. Thanks to the project, the negative environmental externalities will be reduced due to rail service operation, significantly decreasing associated levels of noise and emission of pollutants. Compliance with environmental legislations will be verified during appraisal.

Project implementation is managed by the NIF Zrt. (National Infrastructure Developing Company), a public company obliged to comply with the European and National Public Procurement legislation.