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Metro line M3 renovation: Will there be enough trains?
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The deadline for the opening of metro line M3 in Budapest is fast approaching. The reconstruction of the entire line is scheduled to be completed by June 2023. However, it is still in question whether there will be a sufficient number of vehicles to meet service levels.
In response to Népszava‘s inquiries, BKV indicated that 9 of the 37 metro trains were not in running order. However, the company noted that they did not expect issues with the operation of the metro line as all will be sorted by the time summer arrives.
Although BKV claims there was no cause for concern, Népszava was less optimistic about the situation. For, as they write, the Russian metro trains restored by the Russian Metrowagonmash (MWM) appear to be of poor quality. Their article draws attention to rusting and the high maintenance requirements of the vehicles. Especially for these reasons, more and more trains are being taken out of service.
Sanctions complicate the situation
According to an expert contacted by Népszava, in order to operate a metro line safely, 30 in-service and 2 spare trains are required. Currently, two trains are completely out of order due to an accident last January. These vehicles cannot be repaired for the time being due to the Russian embargo, as some components are manufactured there.
The number of vehicles that can be placed in service has thus been permanently reduced to 35, which, due to the necessary technical inspections and maintenance, will allow only a pressingly tight schedule with the minimum number of trains,
writes Népszava.
Although due to the EU sanctions, it would not be possible to buy components from Russian suppliers, BKV told the paper that they had managed to obtain some items. Nevertheless, the company is trying to obtain most of the necessary components from stock and with the help of Hungarian manufacturers.
M3 shady ‘renivations’ needs to be investigated, no way in hell it takes so long to renovate few km of rails and tunnels. Some1 made lots of money from these ‘mistakes’.
Its – and it continues, with the “Shortage” of rolling stock, to run this Metro Line, but its a DISASTER financially for the inconvenience to citizens of Budapest and tourists and the tax debt/costs that have & continue to be “Forked” out from our taxes.
Orban – history never LIES, the options to up-grade not purchase the Russian Rolling Stock, but brand new at the time state of the art rolling stock for the M3, but Orban – took the “Cheap” way out went Russian – and its just been, across the board – HORRENDOUS – the costing factor of the M3 prior to these RENOVATIONS and “supposed” upgrades improvements.
“Palms” have been GREASED.
That’s the Orban/Fidesz way incorporated into it with of course the OLIGARCH’s.
Hungarians, the on-going decline of the Hungarian Economy – what are we DOING about it?
Orban & his Government – exampled in this M3 project – just “DROWNED” in an on-going DISASTER.