The project involves the electrification of 55.6km of track at 25kV 50Hz ac as well as the reconstruction of the substructure and superstructure for 100km/h operation and 22.5-tonne axle loads on 35km of line and through tracks at three intermediate stations.

In addition, new electronic signalling and passenger information systems will be installed and connected to the CTC centre at Püspökladány.

Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) has already rebuilt the Berettyóújfalu - Biharkeresztes section of the route.

The deadline for submission of tender documents is October 15. The EU-funded project is due to be completed within 36 months of contract signing.

Five lines cross the Hungary-Romania border, three of which carry freight traffic. However at present only one of these, the Lökösháza - Curtici line (part of European Rail Freight Corridor 7) is electrified.

The Püspökladány - Biharkeresztes line is part of the corridor from Budapest to Oradea, Cluj Brasov and Bucharest. Although the line is not part of the Rail Freight Corridor network, it is an important link between Hungary and Romanian regional centres.

On the Romanian section of the Budapest - Bucharest route, modernisation of the Brasov - Cluj line is currently underway, while Hungary has already modernised the Budapest - Pürpökladány line. The rollout of ETCS Level 2 on this stretch will enable the introduction of 160km/h operation, significantly reducing journey times between Budapest and Oradea.

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