Hungary announced a HF3,550 billion (€9.76 billion) investment programme targeting railway infrastructure and rolling stock upgrades, to be completed by 2035. The Gábor Baross Railway Development Plan was unveiled on July 22, 2026, at Budapest’s Rákospalota-Újpest station by Prime Minister Péter Magyar and Minister of Transport & Investment Dávid Vitézy. The plan follows a political agreement signed on May 29, 2026, between the Hungarian government and EU President Ursula von der Leyen, which links EU funding to governance reforms and commitments due by August 31, 2026.
Plan Scope Includes Tram-Trains, Battery EMUs, and Metro Extensions
The development plan covers both main line and urban rail investments, focusing on modernising
infrastructure and expanding services. Key elements include tram-train integration on regional lines, the deployment of battery electric multiple units (BEMUs), and extensions of existing metro lines in Budapest. Notably, Line M3 of the Budapest Metro will be extended northwards by two stations from Újpest-központ to Rákospalota-Újpest, scheduled for completion by 2030.
The plan also prioritises digitalisation programmes, comprehensive renewals of electrical substations nationwide, and upgrades to passenger information systems. Infrastructure modernisation focuses on critical bottlenecks and reliability issues, including a new railway flyover at Ferencváros rail yards and the addition of a passenger station at Népliget to connect with metro
services.
Rolling Stock Procurements and Suburban Rail Renewals
The average age of MÁV Személyszállítási Zrt passenger rolling stock is approximately 43 years, prompting a procurement of 35 double-deck electric multiple units (EMUs) for inter-city routes. Additionally, 42 EMUs are to replace outdated trains on the 21 km H5, 40 km H6, and 6.7 km H7 suburban HÉV rail lines serving Budapest, with infrastructure renewal works on these lines targeted for completion by 2030.
A dedicated allocation of HF95 billion supports the purchase of battery-electric multiple units, plus the charging infrastructure required, for deployment on the Debrecen–Füzesabony, Sárbogárd–Szekszárd–Baja, and Hatvan–Salgótarján–Somoskőújfalu routes. This investment combines fleet renewal with environmental
objectives through battery traction adoption.
Regional Infrastructure Projects and Station Reconstructions
The development schedule includes reconstruction of key stations and upgrades on important lines outside Budapest. Szolnok station and various stations surrounding Lake Balaton are to be rebuilt. The Budapest Southern Circle railway capacity project is advancing towards its third construction stage, encompassing a flyover over Ferencváros yards and a station at Népliget to foster multimodal transfers.
Déli pályaudvar terminus and the connecting tunnel to Kelenföld will be modernised to accommodate double-deck trains. A new station is planned at the crossing of the Budapest–Miskolc main line and Hungária körút street to allow interchange with tram route
1. Furthermore, the Budapest–Lajosmizse–Kecskemét suburban line will undergo electrification and renewal to enable through services without passenger transfers at Lajosmizse.
The Budapest–Veresegyház–Vác line is also slated for renewal, including the reconstruction and addition of overbridges at Rákospalota-Újpest station.
Outside the capital, tram-train schemes will be developed, such as an extension of Debrecen’s tram Route 1 onto main line tracks and the creation of a tram-train connection between Kazincbarcika and Tiszaújváros via Miskolc city centre. The government also plans suburban rail operations serving cities like Győr and Eger.
Budapest–Beograd Main Line Signalling and Commissioning Status
The signalling system installed on the Hungarian section of the Budapest–Beograd main line
by China Railway Signal & Communication is undergoing commissioning, with delays and certification challenges reported. The notified body TÜV is conducting the required safety assessments. Pending successful certification, full revenue services on this line are targeted to begin in September 2026.
Government Commitment and Finance Structure
Minister Dávid Vitézy characterized the Gábor Baross Railway Development Plan as Hungary’s largest rail investment programme announced in the past 60 years. The government has approved the financing structure, integrating state and European Union funds, which become accessible upon fulfilment of governance reforms. Vitézy indicated the announcement serves as a directive for the Ministry of Transport and MÁV to
deliver the project phased up to 2035, with secured financing.
Travel Impact: Modernised Services and Expanded Network
Passengers will benefit from replacement of 43-year-old trains with new, more efficient EMUs on inter-city and suburban networks, improved urban connectivity through the M3 metro line extension, and renewed infrastructure on suburban HÉV lines ensuring better reliability. The integration of tram-train services and introduction of battery-electric trains will expand regional rail coverage and provide greener transportation options, enhancing connectivity in urban and regional corridors including Debrecen and Miskolc.
