Debrecen4U March 20, 2026

Main Railway Station to Become Fully Accessible with Underpass Overhaul

Details of the modernisation of Debrecen’s Main Railway Station and the surrounding area were presented on Friday morning in Debrecen.

Zsolt Hegyi, CEO of MÁV Group, recalled that since fare integration was introduced in Debrecen, the number of county passes sold has increased by more than 50 per cent, and they hope that other cities will follow Debrecen’s example.

The station is expected to see important steps in the coming period to provide a more comfortable and higher-quality service for passengers. The underpass leading to the platforms has already been improved: the previously removed suspended ceiling has been reinstated, hanging cables have been eliminated, and the flooring and tiling have been cleaned.

“Considering its 1975 design, it is in an acceptable condition, but this was only a temporary solution; permanent works will begin next week. The reinforced concrete structure of the more than 50-year-old underpass has deteriorated, and previous water ingress has further worsened its condition, so the underpass must be completely rebuilt. Design work will begin next week when the contract is signed. The procurement procedure has already been successfully completed. The designer will determine the method of renovation to ensure that the upgrade remains adequate for several decades in the long term,” said Zsolt Hegyi.

The tracks will need to be temporarily dismantled, the structure excavated, and then rebuilt. The design will be completed this year, and construction is expected to take place in 2027.

Accessibility will also be addressed in two stages: first, lifts will be installed in the underpass to the platforms, and the platforms will be raised to meet European accessibility standards, so that passengers can board multiple-unit trains without steps.

Hegyi also recalled that, in order to renovate stations, MÁV Group and the Ministry of Construction and Transport are considering and applying various solutions, from involving private capital to selling areas not required for railway operations, and then reinvesting the additional funds generated in a targeted manner. The company will also rely on the opinions of Debrecen residents and the professional support of the local authority.

As presented by Minister János Lázár previously, the tender for the renovation of Debrecen’s main station would involve a private investor alongside the state. Under the arrangement, railway operations would remain state-operated, while parts of the station not directly related to railway functions – such as shops and service areas – could be utilised by an investor in the long term. In return, the investor would undertake the renovation and transformation of the entire station.

According to the plans, the current station will not simply be replaced by a more modern railway station but by a multifunctional transport and commercial hub.

It was also stated that the MÁV headquarters will be sold with an open tender. The auction has been announced at a gross price of HUF 4 billion. The proceeds from the sale may only be used for transport development, so it is hoped that full accessibility of the station can be achieved from this funding.

Deputy Mayor Lajos Barcsa said that, although Debrecen is a safe city, Petőfi Square and the area around the station are something of a hotspot. Public safety organisations are already focusing on Petőfi Square, and within a month, eight new cameras will be installed in addition to the existing 350 public surveillance cameras in Debrecen: two at each entrance of the station building and four in the underpass at Petőfi Square.

Deputy Mayor Diána Széles pointed out that, in addition to cameras, vegetation also plays a role in public safety at Petőfi Square, as certain shrubs can hinder investigative work; therefore, with the involvement of the city’s chief gardener, these will also be redesigned. This has already begun around the 24-storey building, where flowers are being planted to replace shrubs.

“It is important that the gateway to the city is always of an appropriate standard, which is why we are urging the government’s decision to jointly renovate the station and its surroundings, which can be a defining experience not only for residents of Debrecen but also for tourists arriving here,” she said.

The pavements and playgrounds of Ispotály Street and Erzsébet Street will also be renovated, and new benches will be installed at the request of residents.

In response to Zsolt Hegyi’s announcement, Mayor László Papp said that the city is doing everything it can to ensure dynamic development in public transport. Over the past 10 to 12 years, Tram Line 2 has been launched in addition to the replacement of the entire bus fleet. These improvements have enhanced not only service quality but, with the introduction of fare integration, also made transport more affordable for the public.

He recalled that Debrecen has performed well in recent years in terms of railway development, citing the upgrade of the Debrecen–Balmazújváros section as an example, and added that the procurement procedure for the renovation of the Debrecen–Nyíregyháza line is also nearing completion.

Regarding the area around the station, he also referred to the ongoing water utility development, after which the local transport system will be reviewed. Details of this are expected to be decided in the summer.

Source and photo credit: dehir.hu