Budapest Tram Project: Főmterv Designs Pesti Fonódó Line

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Introduction

Főmterv has been awarded the design contract by BKK, the public transport authority of Budapest, for the second stage of the Pest-Buda tram connection project, also known as the Pesti fonódó tram project. This line will connect the tram networks of North Pest and South Buda.

Project Scope and Responsibilities

Főmterv’s responsibilities encompass the preparation of construction and planning documentation, alongside the necessary permitting procedures. They are also tasked with obtaining approvals, compiling tender documentation for contractor selection, and preparing both the feasibility study and the environmental impact assessment.

Design and Infrastructure

The planning phase involves designing a 2.2 km tram extension, which includes fully accessible, step-free stops, road access revamp, and the redevelopment of Nyugati Square. The design will focus on the surrounding urban environment of the future tram line, with several existing stops slated for redesign to enhance accessibility.

Route and Connectivity

The design work aims to reinstate trams on Bajcsy‑Zsilinszky Street and the southern section of Váci Road, offering passengers an improved public transport option through the city center. This investment is intended to create a tram axis across Budapest, facilitating comfortable and rapid travel without transfers.

Funding and Timeline

The project design is being carried out under the Integrated Transport Development Operational Programme Plus (IKOP Plus), a EU co-financed funding program. The Municipality of Budapest is pre-financing the planning costs, as a funding decision has not yet been made and the Hungarian state has not signed a support agreement with BKK. Execution designs are projected to be completed by the second half of 2028.

Project Details

The Pest-Buda tram connection project includes the reinstallation of tram tracks between Deák Ferenc Square, in the historic center of Pest on the east side of the Danube, and central Budapest, to Lehel Square, located in the north-east of the Budapest city center, 2 km north of Deák Ferenc Square.

Conclusion

BKK has contracted Főmterv to design the second phase of the Pest-Buda tram connection, a project funded by the Integrated Transport Development Operational Programme Plus. The design phase, which is being pre-financed by the Municipality of Budapest, is scheduled to be completed by the second half of 2028. The project includes a 2.2 km tram extension and aims to improve public transport connectivity within Budapest.

Company Summary

BKK: The public transport authority of Budapest.

Főmterv: Awarded the design contract for the second stage of the Pest-Buda tram connection.

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