MODERNISATION SZOLNOK - SZAJOL RAILWAY LINE

The project is a major project allocation under Cohesion Fund FL III Phasing Rail Investments and consists of the modernisation of the Szolnok - Szajol railway line section.

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 reconstruction of 6.4 km of railway line. The line is part of two TEN-T core networks (Mediterranean and 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 2007-2013 transport operational programme (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 I of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive (2011/92/EU) and a full EIA was required. The environmental permits have been issued and the project was 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 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.