Budapest approves costly M3 metro extension to Rákospalota‑Újpest

Hungarian transport minister Vít Dávid announced that the M3 metro line will be lengthened with two new stations reaching the Rákospalota‑Újpest railway station. The project, part of the broader Baross Gábor rail development plan, is estimated to cost between 120 billion and 160 billion forints (approximately €330‑440 million).

The extension must stay on a tight schedule to meet the 2030 completion target. Delays in tendering, procurement disputes, or utility works could jeopardise the deadline. Funding gaps remain, with the city having spent 2.9 billion forints on planning and the state earmarking additional resources, while the procurement of new rolling stock from Russian‑controlled Metrowagonmash has been halted.

Analysts note that although ticket revenue will not recover the investment, the project could generate a 5‑10 % rise in nearby property values and reduce road traffic if integrated with new intermodal hubs and park‑and‑ride facilities.