photo: Archives/Complete reconstruction of the Köszeg - Szombathely line at EUR 8.67 million has been completed
The reconstruction included a complete renovation of the 17-kilometer railroad track, stations, stops, ground platforms, intermodal transfer hubs, construction of new parking lots, and bicycle storage facilities. The European Regional Development Fund financed the HUF 3.24 billion (EUR 8.67 million) project.
At the Kőszegen station, railroad crossings were repaired and rebuilt, an optical network for telecommunication lines was installed, the track network was reconstructed, and a 100-meter-long overpass was built. It is vital to note the new intermodal platform, where buses can stop next to the railway platform so that the transfer will be as simplified as possible. The movement of buses can begin after the final permits for the installation and use of the platform have been received.
There is now P+R parking for cars and 40 covered storage spaces for cyclists. In addition, the platforms are now equipped with rain shelters, new furniture, modern LED lighting, new visual information displays for passengers, and modern audio information systems.
"Modernization of rail service between Kőszeg, which has a population of more than 11,000, and the county town continues with electrification. Thanks to the planned investments, electrified trains will be able to carry passengers throughout the Hungarian GYSEV network. The Credobus Econell 12 vehicles, purchased by Volánbusz last year, will also be used on the Újkér-Kőszeg-Szombathely routes. Section 87 of the main road between Kőszeg and Rötfalva was opened last summer, and the M87 section to the county center is in preparation," said László Mosóczi, state secretary for transportation policy at the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, at the closing event.
"We are proud to announce the successful completion of such a major project in the year of GYSEV's 150th anniversary. This large-scale development has significantly increased the level of service on the Kőszeg-Szombathely railway line, although we do not want to stop there: we plan to electrify the line section, after which modern electric trains will also be able to run between Kőszeg and Szombathely," emphasized Szilárd Kövesdi, Chairman and CEO of GYSEV Zrt.
Apart from Kőszeg, the other seven stations on the line will also be renovated.