Budapest Tram Upgrades: Line 14 & Depot Modernization – EU Funds Needed

Introduction

BKK has been authorized by the Budapest Metropolitan Assembly to initiate a procurement procedure for the design works related to the Angyalföld tram depot and tram line 14 development. Implementation plans are projected to conclude by late summer 2027, contingent upon the successful completion of the procedure and the securing of necessary funding.

Project Scope and Objectives

The new depot project, subject to available EU funding, may include constructing a hall equipped for filling new trams with braking sand, renovating the depot’s track system, and devising strategies to expedite tram operations. The designer will be responsible for planning upgrades to the Angyalföld tram depot and tram line 14, essential for integrating and operating the new trams.

Infrastructure Improvements

A new hall will be constructed to house equipment for filling braking sand, ensuring the vehicles’ safe and reliable operation. Routes for lorries transporting sand will also be established. The track layout will be redesigned to accommodate the storage and movement of the new vehicles, encompassing the refurbishment of 18 depot points. Furthermore, the project includes interventions to enhance tram operations on Line 14, such as upgrading the branching of Line 12, the crossing, and the points around the depot.

Impact of New Tram Introduction

With the acquisition of new vehicles, the Angyalföld tram depot in District IV, located in northern Pest, will gain additional responsibilities, including storing and operating shorter trams transferred from the Budafok depot. This development is linked to the ongoing vehicle procurement project, with the introduction of new trams essential for the long-term storage and efficient operation of the additional trams arriving in Budapest. These trams are part of a fleet of 51 vehicles previously ordered and currently in production.

Funding and Future Plans

In alignment with the city’s rolling stock renewal, the depots and facilities responsible for storing and maintaining the trams require modernization. Similar developments were previously necessary, such as when the Combino trams were introduced. Upon the introduction of all 51 LRVs and the availability of EU infrastructure funding, the modern trams are planned to operate on six additional lines, including Line 14. BKK and BKV are also assessing infrastructure requirements for introducing the new LRVs on lines 47 and 49 at the request of the Capital Assembly’s Committee on Climate Protection, Transport and Urban Development.

Conclusion

BKK anticipates securing EU funds previously allocated under the RRF programme for infrastructure developments. However, without these funds, planning cannot commence. In such a scenario, a contingency plan prepared by BKK and BKV would allow the vehicles to remain in service, though the capital would incur higher operating costs, and Budapest passengers would experience the new trams on fewer routes.

BKK

BKK is a company involved in the development of the Angyalföld tram depot and tram line 14.

BKV

BKV is a company involved in the development of the Angyalföld tram depot and tram line 14.