M4 construction progress :: October 2012

With a view to transparency, we regularly summarize, in a brief technical report, the most recent events, the advance of the of the project in comparison with the earlier progress report, as based on the monthly technical and financial status report of the project, illustrating the state of the project by a graph, as well.

Works going on most intensively include fit-out, the installation of train control, communication and power systems, track construction, and the refurbishment of the surface areas above stations, and soon the prototype vehicle is arriving and duration tests can begin on the section of the line ready for use – the vehicle has to complete several thousands of kilometres faultlessly to be able to obtain the type licence.

Since our last report, when overall completion of the Project was at 70%, we have reached a 72% level of completion, and our schedule has remained unchanged, we continue to calculate with starting the Test in Traffic Operation of the new metro line of the city in the first quarter of 2014.

THE MAIN EVENST OF THE PRECEDING PERIOD BY ACTIVITY:

Fit-out Works

The main tasks of fit-out are as follows: architectural finishing (coverings, veneer, etc.), the installation of HVA (heating, water mist fire suppression, ventilation, escalators, and lifts), electrical fittings, passenger display equipment, and surface refurbishment of some stations.

At all the 10 stations, secondary structures, walls, finishing, coverings, basic electric and mechanical works and the covering of operation areas are complete. The setting and testing of mechanical equipment at Tétényi út and Bocskai út stations are complete, while the surface at these stations has also been reinstated. The installation of the 91 escalators and 34 lifts has begun, their test operation at several places being also complete. Currently, finishing works, mechanical setting and testing are taking place at most stations. The level of completion of the fit-out of the various stations is quite different, while Tétényi út and Bocskai út stations are almost 100% complete, the Pest-side stations show a 55% readiness.

Track Construction

The tasks of the track-work contractor include building the track slab, laying the rails, fixing the evacuation walkway and the cable supports in the tunnels. The contractor has begun to construct the last section of the track before Keleti Railway Station, concreting and fixing the rails.

Integrated Systems and Power Supply

The installation of systems is perhaps the most complex task of the entire metro project, covering three separate areas, the signalling equipment and the train-control system, the communications networks, the power supply of the trains, and their central, remote control.

The installation of the signalling equipment is complete in the area of the depot and Gellért tér station; it is being tested and put into operation. The mainline optical networks of communications, signalling equipment and accessory equipment (ventilation, fire detection, etc.) are near completion in the Buda side and partially complete in the Pest side. The installation of control and monitoring equipment is underway at the stations and the depot. The cabling of the accessory power supply system is complete on the Buda side, that of the traction power supply is underway. The testing and handover of the 10/0,4 kV transformers and switches have begun at Kelenföldi Railway Station, Tétényi út, Bocskai út, and Móricz Zsigmond körtér stations, and their operation is now done by BKV Zrt. Testing has begun at Szent Gellért tér and Fővám tér stations. Testing is expected to begin at Kálvin tér in November 2012.

The Procurement of Metro Vehicles

Following last year’s agreement, Alstom, the manufacture of the metro vehicles, is progressing vigorously, in accordance with the new schedule The vehicle obtained the preliminary type licence in February 2012. If the prototype vehicle successfully completes the test operation and duration test beginning in November 2012, the vehicle will receive the final type licence, and serial manufacture can commence.

Surface Reinstatement

Several so-called surface refurbishment projects were started in connection to the construction of M4 to reconstruct the environment of the stations following utility diversions, build underground garages, cover and landscape squares and parks, and reorganize infrastructure. The reconstruction of Fővám tér, Vámház körút and Kálvin tér is planned to be completed by June 2013. The underground garage at Rákóczi tér has been completed, and will soon obtain the permit for use. The reconstruction of the surface of Baross tér will shortly commence as the public procurement procedure and conclusion of the contract has taken place. The preparation for building the intermodal junction (country bus, railway, city transport, and motorways) and parking place is well underway.

DBR Metro Project Directorate