The Hungarian government on July 22, 2026, announced a national rail investment programme valued at HF3 550bn (€9.76bn) at Budapest’s Rákospalota-Újpest main line station. Minister of Transport & Investment Dávid Vitézy and Prime Minister Péter Magyar jointly presented the Gábor Baross Railway Development Plan, described as one of the largest rail projects in Hungary’s history.
Scope of the Gábor Baross Railway Development Plan
The development plan focuses on enhancing urban and inter-city rail connectivity through several key initiatives. These include the introduction of new tram-train services, the procurement of battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs), and extensions to Budapest’s metro network. Comprehensive renovations are planned, targeting infrastructure reliability and passenger
experience improvements across main line and suburban lines.
Rolling Stock Renewal and Electrification
MÁV Személyszállítási Zrt’s fleet, with an average vehicle age of 43 years, will be modernized. The plan schedules the acquisition of 35 double-deck electric multiple units (EMUs) dedicated to inter-city routes. An additional 42 EMUs will replace aging trains on Budapest’s HÉV suburban rail lines H5 (21 km), H6 (40 km), and H7 (6.7 km). A budget of HF95bn has been allocated for battery-electric multiple units and associated charging infrastructure deployment on the Debrecen – Füzesabony, Sárbogárd – Szekszárd – Baja, and Hatvan – Salgótarján – Somoskőújfalu lines.
Metro Line Extension and Suburban Rail Upgrades
Budapest metro Line M3
will be extended from Újpest-központ to Rákospalota-Újpest with two new stations planned by 2030. Infrastructure renovation on HÉV lines H5, H6, and H7 will also be completed by this date to accommodate new rolling stock. Additionally, the Budapest – Lajosmizse – Kecskemét suburban rail line will be rebuilt and electrified to allow continuous train operations, eliminating the current need for transfers. The Budapest – Veresegyház – Vác line will be renewed, including the reconstruction of Rákospalota-Újpest station with new overbridges.
Network Reliability and Infrastructure Modernisation
Modernisation efforts address network reliability issues by focusing on priority stations including Szolnok and those around Lake Balaton. The third
stage of the Budapest Southern Circle railway project includes a railway flyover at Ferencváros yards and addition of a Népliget passenger station for interchange with metro Line M3. The Déli pályaudvar main line terminus will undergo upgrades, with the tunnel to Kelenföld rebuilt to suit double-deck trains. A new station will be constructed on the Budapest – Miskolc main line at Hungária körút, connecting with tram Route 1.
The Budapest – Beograd main line signalling system, supplied by China Railway Signal & Communication, faces delayed commissioning amid certification requirements overseen by TÜV. Full passenger services are anticipated in September 2026
conditional on safety approvals.
Political Background and Funding Conditions
The project follows Hungary’s April 2026 general election and a subsequent political agreement between Prime Minister Péter Magyar and European Union President Ursula von der Leyen signed on May 29, 2026. EU funding is dependent on governance and reform commitments due by August 31, 2026. Minister Vitézy confirmed the programme’s financing is secured and described it as the largest Hungarian railway investment in six decades, emphasizing a clear delivery mandate through to 2035.
Expanded Tram-Train and Suburban Rail Initiatives
The investment plan includes extending Debrecen’s tram Route 1 via tram-train operation on main line tracks both north and south. Another tram-train route
is planned to connect Kazincbarcika with Tiszaújváros through central Miskolc. Dedicated suburban rail services will be developed for Győr and Eger to expand regional rail coverage.
Early programme priorities involve establishing a national transport authority overseeing both rail and coach services, enhancing digitalisation, upgrading electrical substations nation-wide, and modernising rail passenger information systems.
Passenger Impact and Connectivity Improvements
The planned metro Line M3 extension and tram-train services will offer expanded urban transit options. Upgraded stations, new interchange facilities, and modern rolling stock will improve commuter comfort and operational efficiency. New stations and enhanced infrastructure aim to provide more comprehensive passenger information and improved regional and
suburban rail access.
