Hungary unveiled the Gábor Baross Railway Development Plan on July 22, 2026, outlining a national rail investment package valued at HF3 550bn (€9.76bn) to be implemented by 2035. This project represents one of the largest railway investments in Hungarian history and follows a political agreement enabling EU funding after the April 2026 general election.
Investment Components Include Tram-Trains and Metro Extensions
The plan focuses on expanding tram-train networks, deploying battery electric multiple units (BEMUs), extending metro lines, and modernising suburban rail infrastructure. A new national transport authority will be created to oversee rail and coach operations, alongside programmes for digitalisation, electrical substation upgrades, and passenger information systems.
Rolling Stock Procurement and Battery Vehicle Deployment
MÁV Személyszállítási Zrt will renew its fleet with 35 double-deck electric multiple units (EMUs) for inter-city services and 42 EMUs designated for the H5, H6, and H7 suburban rail lines around Budapest. Additionally, HF95bn is allocated for procuring battery-electric multiple units and installing charging infrastructure on lines including Debrecen – Füzesabony, Sárbogárd – Szekszárd – Baja, and Hatvan – Salgótarján – Somoskőújfalu.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Metro Extension Targets
Key infrastructure modernisation covers reconstruction of stations at Szolnok and around Lake Balaton, construction of a rail flyover at Ferencváros rail yards, and developing a new passenger station at Népliget in Budapest to provide interchange with Metro Line
M3. The M3 metro line will be extended by two stations from Újpest-központ to Rákospalota-Újpest, targeting completion by 2030. The Déli pályaudvar terminus will be modernised and the tunnel to Kelenföld rebuilt to accommodate double-deck trains.
Suburban and Regional Rail Line Renewals
Suburban rail lines H5 (21 km), H6 (40 km), and H7 (6.7 km) will see infrastructure renewal by 2030. The Budapest – Lajosmizse – Kecskemét line is scheduled for rebuilding and electrification to enable continuous train services. The Budapest – Veresegyház – Vác line will be upgraded, with Rákospalota-Újpest station rebuilt including new overbridges. Further upgrades include the Southern Circle railway capacity increase, completing
a flyover at Ferencváros and adding a passenger station at Népliget. The Debrecen – Nyíregyháza main line will be enhanced for 160 km/h operation and gain two new stations in Debrecen by 2030.
Budapest – Beograd Signalling and EU Funding Conditions
China Railway Signal & Communication is supplying the signalling system for the Budapest – Beograd main line, with commissioning and safety certification by TÜV ongoing. Revenue service is planned to begin in September 2026 pending successful certification. The Hungarian government’s infrastructure funding is contingent on governance reforms and commitments to complete by August 31, 2026, under a political agreement signed by Prime Minister Péter Magyar and EU
President Ursula von der Leyen in May 2026.
Ministerial Statements and Delivery Commitments
Minister of Transport & Investment Dávid Vitézy described the project as the largest Hungarian railway programme announced by a prime minister in the past 60 years. He confirmed that the financing structure has government approval and that the plan serves as a comprehensive work order for the ministry and MÁV through to 2035, contingent on unlocking the expected EU funds.
Challenges and Safety Assessments
The Budapest – Beograd signalling system installation has faced delays and requires certification from TÜV before full revenue service can commence. These safety assessments are critical to progressing that segment of the
programme.
Regional Tram-Train and Suburban Rail Schemes
The investment plan includes tram-train developments extending Debrecen’s tram Route 1 north and south using main line tracks, and a tram-train line connecting Kazincbarcika to Tiszaújváros through Miskolc. Dedicated suburban rail operations are also planned for the cities of Győr and Eger to broaden regional rail coverage.
Strategic Vision Linked to EU Support
The programme forms part of Hungary’s broader strategy to modernise its rail system leveraging EU funding enabled by the political agreement of May 2026. Delivery depends on completed governance reforms and investment commitments through 2035 aimed at renewing aging fleets and improving infrastructure across Budapest and nationwide.
